A Three-Dimensional Study of the Nasolabial Soft Tissue Symmetry in Children With Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate Using Traditional and Split-Type Nasoalveolar Molding.

BACKGROUND: Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is the most common preoperative treatment for cleft lip and palate. However, NAM may have some limitations such as requiring high technical sensitivity and frequent visits. To simplify the device, some scholars have changed the traditional NAM into a split-NAM consisting of a alveolar molding plate and a nasal hook. This study compared the shaping effect of split NAM and traditional NAM on nasolabial soft tissue using three-dimensional (3D) measurement.

METHODS: A total of 39 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups. 13 patients were treated with split-NAM while the other 26 patients were treated with traditional NAM. 3D images of all patients' craniofacial soft tissue before and after NAM treatment were recorded and measured by three-dimensional software. Statistical analysis of measurements in both groups was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: After treatment, nasal soft tissue symmetry in the split-NAM group was better improved than that in the NAM group in vertical and anterior-posterior direction, but was worse improved in transverse direction. There was no significant difference in labial soft tissue symmetry between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The split NAM can better elevate the alar and nostrils of the cleft side, and have a better forward effect on alar outer edge, nasal base, and nostrils. However, the traditional NAM can better reduce the width of nasal base.