Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Abstract

PRE-SURGICAL NASOALVEOLAR MOLDING IN PATIENTS WITH UNILATERAL CLEFTS OF LIP, ALVEOLUS AND PALATE - A CASE REPORT

Akshai Shetty KR, Krishnamurthy Bonanthaya, Dharma RM, Viswapurna PS

The case of a newborn male patient with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate with a marked cleft nose deformity is presented. This may lead to an unsatisfactory aesthetic result after primary cheiloplasty and nasoplasty. Five months prior to surgery, the patient was treated with Naso-alveolar molding. The device consisted of an acrylic plate on the maxillary arch to which was attached a wire of 0.032 inch diameter which lifted the nasal dome. The alignment of the alveolar segments creates the foundation upon which excellent results of lip and primary nasal surgery are dependent in the repair of the cleft lip and palate patient. The purpose of this article is to highlight the effectiveness of naso alveolar molding appliance used to direct growth of the alveolar ridge, lips, and nose in the pre surgical treatment of cleft lip and palate. As a result of this appliance, the primary surgical repair of the nose and lip heals under minimal tension, thereby reducing scar formation and improving the esthetic result.

Published Date: 2011-06-30;