Naso-alveolar Molding: An Orthodontic Perspective

Cleft lip and palate present with considerable variation in severity and form. Generally, the wider and more extensive clefts are associated with more significant nasolabial deformity. These clefts present a significant surgical challenge to the achievement of a functional and cosmetic outcome. Numerous techniques have been documented over the centuries to improve the position of the cleft alveolar segments. Alveolar closure or primary nasal correction in the immediate newborn period should be an integral part of the primary repair. Naso-alveolar molding technique was introduced to correct the alveolus, lip, and nose in infants born with cleft lip and palate that adapted a nasal stent to extend from the anterior flange of an intraoral molding plate with the advantage of precisely shaping the nasal cartilage and lengthening the columella in the case of bilateral cleft lip and palate. In addition, since the stent is extended in conjunction with an orthopedic oral plate to simultaneously mold the nose and the cleft alveolar segments, an intact nasal floor is not required. This book lays emphasis on the role of an orthodontist for the correction of such extensive naso-alveolar defects.