ABSTRACT
Objective@#The study presents a new method to prefabricate the nasoalveolar molding appliances for preoperative cleft lip and palate by using three-dimensional technology.@*Methods@#A long term retrospective study of 40 cases of infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent the preoperative 3D models of alveolar bone acquisition, computer aided design for the rapid prototyping process, gypsum powder printing maxillary three-dimensional entity model and install the appliance for 3-4 months (or alveolar cleft<2 mm). Simultaneously, primary rhinoplasty can be done during cleft lip repair. All patients had clinic visits three times each month.@*Results@#Deformities of infants who underwent this treatment, were significantly improved. The alveolar cleft was significantly reduced (P<0.01), while bilateral alveolar tissue volume was significantly increased (P<0.01). Alveolar bone morphology was more symmetrical than before.@*Conclusions@#The digital design and manufacture system of appliances for preoperative cleft lip and palate can be successfully applied to the preoperative orthodontic treatment. The sequence treatment of cleft lip and palate becomes better improved. It can shorten the time duration and the numbers of clinic visit on the basis of ensuring the accuracy of preoperative orthodontic effect.