Presurgical Naso-alveolar molding in cleft lip and palate patients – A critical review

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and assess the current scientific evidence pertains to the efficiency and usefulness of Presurgical Naso-alveolar molding (PSNAM) in cleft lip and cleft palate patients. Methods: A comprehensive scientific literature search was carried out using PUBMED electronic database which focus on the current concept of PSNAM and those which critically analyse its long term effects in the treatment of cleft lip, palate and nasal deformity, using different terminologies like the ‘presurgical nasoalveolar molding’, ‘nasal moulding’ and ‘infant orthopaedics’ and documented articles over a period of 30 years were selected for the critical review. Results: Following PUBMED search, a total of 58 articles were retrieved. These 58 articles were investigations pertaining to the effect of PSNAM on different aspects of cleft including effects of PSNAM on facial growth, maxillary arch, dentition and occlusion, its effects on nasal symmetry and nasolabial appearance, and on speech. Conclusions: Presurgical Naso-alveolar molding can be a useful adjunctive treatment modality for management of cleft lip and palate patients.  This technique being a cost effective is more beneficial in reducing the number of future surgeries required in the management of cleft lip and palate patients.