Effect of selective trimming of nasoavleolar molding on maxillary arch growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

AIM: Presurgical Nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) is a technique used for cleft lip and palate patients prior to cheiloplasty. However, concerns exist regarding its negative impact on maxillary arch growth.This study aimed to assess the effect of selective trimming in NAM on maxillary arch growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip palate. METHODOLOGY: The retrospective observational study analyzed the study casts of 30 patients before and after undergoing nasoalveolar molding treatment. Study casts which were repositories of the institute were analyzed and segregated as Group A: NAM given with selective trimming of the appliance, and Group B: NAM without selective trimming of the appliance. Pre and post-treatment casts were assessed digitally at L-L' (Intercleft segment width), C-C' (Intercanine width), T-T' (Alveolar arch width), L-TT' (Alveolar arch length from major cleft segment), and L'-TT' (Alveolar arch length from minor cleft segment) RESULTS: A notable significant difference between Group A's and B's mean Alveolar arch width and Intercleft segment width was seen. Whereas parameters such as intercanine width, and alveolar arch length as functions from major and minor segments showed no significant variance. CONCLUSION: Although NAM has been known to affect the growth of the maxillary arch, this study proposes that techniques such as selective trimming can help counteract this drawback.

Comparative study on cleft palate morphology after passive presurgical plate therapy in unilateral cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: Presurgical plate therapy has been widely accepted as a treatment prior to palatal cleft closure. The effects of passive presurgical plate therapy on cleft morphology prior to single-stage unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) repair were quantified. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the dimensions of cleft width and cleft area (true cleft and palatal cleft) measured preoperatively at 2 European cleft centers. Center A performed single-stage UCLP repair in 8-month-old infants without any presurgical orthopedic treatment. Center B initiated passive presurgical plate therapy immediately after the birth of the neonates, followed by single-stage UCLP repair at 8 months of age. RESULTS: We included 28 patients with complete UCLP from Center A and 12 patients from Center B. The average anterior width of the true cleft before surgery was significantly smaller in infants at Center B than that in Center A (p = 0.001) with 95% confidence interval of (1.8, 5.7) mm, but the average posterior width was similar in the 2 groups. The mean presurgical true cleft area amounted to 106.8 mm2 (SD = 42.4 mm2) at Center A and 71.9 mm2 (SD = 32.2 mm2) at Center B, with a confidence interval for the difference being (9.8, 60.1) mm2. This corresponded to a 32.7% reduction of the true cleft area when passive presurgical plate therapy was used for the first 8 months of the infants' life. CONCLUSION: Passive presurgical plate therapy in UCLP significantly reduced the cleft area. Implications for the subsequent surgical outcome might depend on the surgical technique used.

Digital nasoalveolar molding through presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate: A comprehensive review and case study.

AIMS: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and case study about the advantages and disadvantages of the application of digital technologies in presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate (CLCP). Positive changes in the nasal anatomy, maxillary arch, and cleft width could be achieved. METHODS: Three representative cases of newborns/infants with CLCP were managed using the presurgical newborn/infant orthopedics (PSIO) approach. The patients were diagnosed and treated. Detailed descriptions of the impression procedures and PSIO appliance construction and placement were provided for each case. RESULTS: Case 1 utilized traditional impression techniques, Case 2 employed a semi-digitalized approach with intraoral digital scanning, and Case 3 utilized a completely digitalized method for appliance construction. Positive changes in maxillary arch dimensions and cleft width reduction were observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The management of CLCP in newborns and infants poses a complex challenge with profound implications. The PSIO approach not only facilitates reconstructive surgery but also enhances overall quality of life. Digital tools, like specialized optical scanners and 3D printing, revolutionize the PSIO process, making it more efficient and patient-friendly. Clinical benefits include improved facial morphology, esthetics, feeding, speech, and optimized future surgical results. Despite ongoing efficacy debates, global adoption as the initial surgical approach underscores its value. The integration of digital technologies offers new hope for patients and families, promising a brighter future for those affected by this congenital condition.

Perception and Attitude of Parents of Children With Orofacial Clefts Regarding the Use of Presurgical Orthopedics and Feeding Obturators.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the parents' attitude and their perception regarding the management of orofacial cleft (OFC) children with presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM), DynaCleft and/or feeding obturators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational retrospective survey-based study was conducted among parents of OFC children treated with PNAM, DynaCleft and/or feeding obturators who attended a primary dental health care center in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from 2019 to 2023. A validated questionnaire was used after translating it from English to Arabic. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions divided into two sections. The first section covers parents' sociodemographic data and OFC risk factors. The second section evaluates the parents' perception regarding the use of presurgical orthopedics (PSO) for OFC repair. The questionnaire was completed through telephone interviews carried out by two investigators with the parents of OFC children. RESULTS: Out of 142 parents of OFC children, only 40 parents and their children met the inclusion criteria of the study. Most parents (95%) reported their satisfaction with the treatment and stated that they would encourage other parents of OFC children to use PSO. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that parents of OFC children had a positive attitude toward PSO treatment. Based on the positive outcomes of PSO treatment reported in the current study and previous literature, PSO should be considered as a routine treatment in the early management of orofacial clefts.

Surgical Assistance for Favorable Outcome Achieved through Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Using Innovative Impression Technique: A Case Report.

Aim: The aim of this case report is to highlight the importance of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) in cleft lip and palate (CLP) cases and its impact on primary surgical outcomes. Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital malformations of the maxillofacial complex. Of all congenital malformations, it ranks third and has a multifactorial etiology. Such anomalies can have several consequences, such as impaired suckling, defective speech, deafness, malocclusion, gross facial deformity, and bring tremendous stress on the entire family. Surgical correction is required to restore the form and function of the affected area; however, surgery has to be usually deferred due to the age of the newborn patients. Case description: A 12-day-old neonate born with a bilateral cleft of lip and alveolus was referred from the Department of Plastic Surgery. PNAM was planned in consultation with the plastic surgeon. A customized nasoalveolar molding plate was fabricated, and tissue molding was carried out. Following nasoalveolar molding, primary surgical repair was done. Conclusion: Significant reduction in cleft width, approximation of soft tissue of the lip, and improvement in nasal tip alignment were achieved following PNAM. It favorably positioned the tissue segment and minimized the extent of the local tissue dissection and advancement. The synchronous prosthodontics and surgical treatment resulted in optimal treatment outcomes. Clinical significance: The higher level of estrogen and hyaluronic acid in the newborn that remodels the cartilage can be utilized through the light application of forces, and hence hard and soft tissue molding can be achieved without surgery. PNAM acts as a promising adjunct prior to primary surgical closure of the CLP. Thus, PNAM immediately after the birth can serve to significantly augment the surgical outcomes and the extent and/or the number of surgeries can be reduced. How to cite this article: Rathee M, Singh K, Alam M, et al. Surgical Assistance for Favorable Outcome Achieved through Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Using Innovative Impression Technique: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):153-158.

Protocols in the management of cleft lip and palate: A systematic review.

AIM: To identify clinical decisions on surgical as well as non-surgical modalities for the treatment of CLP patients based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Ebscohost, and Cochrane Library were searched and 20 articles based on RCTs conducted on cleft patient management were identified. RESULTS: The topics explored were infant orthopedics, lip and palate repair, alveolar bone grafting, and management of cleft maxillary hypoplasia. Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) was found to have great benefits when carried out within one month of birth. Fisher and Mohler's lip repair technique and use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rh-BMP2) for alveolar bone grafting showed promising results. rh-BMP2 for alveolar bone grafting appears to be a promising alternative to autografts. CONCLUSION: Early commencement of NAM in neonatal life is of great benefit to cleft patients. There is a need for more multicentre collaborations, mainly to identify the ideal surgical technique to reduce the variability in treatment and to ensure that the patient receives appropriate evidence-based treatment.

Maternal perception of breastfeeding in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate: A qualitative interpretative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral cleft lip and / or palate (UCL/P) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial differences. The objective of this study was to describe the maternal perception of breastfeeding in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate and to assess the role of breastfeeding counseling. METHODS: This study was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore the experience from the perspectives of mothers breastfeeding her UCL/P child. Twenty-eight mothers of patients with nonsyndromic UCL/P treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy between April 2015 and April 2018 were selected during consultations at the Fundación Clínica Noel in Medellín, Colombia. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. RESULTS: The findings resulted in six main categories: First contact with the CL/P team, access to early diagnosis and timely treatment, perceptions of parents about health personnel on breastfeeding of CL/P patients, perceptions of mothers toward breastfeeding, perception of advantages and disadvantages of the NAM technique regarding breastfeeding and assessment of the CL/P team. The interviewed mothers, both prenatally and postnatally, stated the benefits of initiating the process prenatally. There are still difficulties in reaching a timely diagnosis. Several mothers noted that health professionals and assistants determined the hospitalization, installation of a nasogastric tube or feeding through a baby bottle or syringe, which prevented the first contact between mother and child. Even though the exclusive breastfeeding process is difficult for these mothers, they acknowledge its immense advantages. Interviewed mothers considered using the NAM therapy advantageous as the obturator allowed a better bottle-feeding process. The interdisciplinary team generates satisfaction, motivation, expectations and happiness in the mothers who initiated this therapy with their children. CONCLUSION: The participants related difficulties with exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers acknowledged the clinical results when using the NAM therapy and the support provided by the IBCLC. We encourage health providers in Medellín, Colombia, to seek education to enhance their clinical skills and promote and protect breastfeeding. Also, health professionals in other cities or countries could consider search more breastfeeding education as well.

A Point-of-Care Digital Workflow for 3D Printed Passive Presurgical Orthopedic Plates in Cleft Care.

Cleft lip and palate are one of the most common congenital craniofacial malformations. As an initial treatment, presurgical orthopedics is considered standard treatment at many cleft centers. Digital impressions are becoming feasible in cleft care. Computer-aided design (CAD) and three-dimensional (3D) printing are manufacturing standards in dentistry. The assimilation of these technologies has the potential to alter the traditional workflow for the fabrication of customized presurgical orthopedic plates. We present a digital workflow comprising three steps: 3D digital image acquisition with an intraoral scanner, open-source CAD modeling, and point-of-care 3D printing for the fabrication of personalized passive presurgical plates for newborns with cleft lip and palate. The digital workflow resulted in patient-related benefits, such as no risk of airway obstruction with quicker data acquisition (range 1-2.5 min). Throughput time was higher in the digital workflow 260-350 min compared to 135 min in the conventional workflow. The manual and personal intervention time was reduced from 135 min to 60 min. We show a clinically useful digital workflow for presurgical plates in cleft treatment. Once care providers overcome procurement costs, digital impressions, and point-of-care 3D printing will simplify these workflows and have the potential to become standard for cleft care.

Effectiveness of pre-surgical orthopedics on patients with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of pre-surgical orthopedics (PSO) in patients with cleft lip palate (CLP) in maxillary morphology (MM), facial growth and development (FGD), occlusal alterations (OA), parental satisfaction (PS), and side effects. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and controlled clinical trials. Searches was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. RESULTS: From the eight studies included, three are randomized clinical trials, and five clinical trials are controlled. MM was evaluated by the intercanine width (Mean difference (MD) =1.44; CI95%= -0.30, 3.19; very low certainty), anteroposterior length (MD=1.32; CI95%= -0.59, 3.24; very low certainty) and intertuberocity width (MD=0.09; CI95%= -0.68, 0.49; certainty: very low). FGD was evaluated by SNA angle (MD: 1.29; P = 0.306; moderate certainty), SNB angle (MD: -0.79; P = 0.550; moderate certainty) and ANB angle (MD: 1; P = 0.362; moderate certainty). OA was evaluated by 5-years-old-index (MD= -0.09; P = 0.49; moderate certainty) and by Huddart score (MD=0.51; P = 0.736; moderate certainty). A valid questionnaire assessed PS only in one study (MD= -0.1; P = 0.199; moderate certainty). No studies reported side effects. CONCLUSION: Due to the uncertainty of the effect of PSO on MM and the lack of clinically relevant effect on FGD, OA, or PS, it is not reasonable to include this intervention as a treatment until future studies clarify its effect.

Ortopedia prequirúrgica en el tratamiento de pacientes con fisura labio y paladar / Presurgical orthopedics in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate

RESUMEN: Introducción: Dentro del tratamiento estándar de los pacientes con fisura labio-máxilo-palatinas se encuentra la ortopedia prequirúrgica. Esta se realiza con el objetivo de modular la posición, alineación y estabilización de los segmentos maxilares previo a la primera cirugía. Pese a que es ampliamente utilizada, su efectividad es controversial. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Se extrajeron los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, se analizaron los datos de los estudios primarios, posteriormente se realizó un metaanálisis y se preparó una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y Conclusiones: Se identificaron 14 revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 57 estudios primarios, de los cuales, cinco corresponden a ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Concluimos que no es posible establecer con claridad si la ortopedia prequirúrgica mejora o perjudica la morfología maxilar, debido a que la certeza de la evidencia ha sido evaluada como muy baja. Por su parte, la ortopedia prequirúrgica podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el crecimiento y desarrollo facial, las alteraciones oclusales, la satisfacción parental, la alimentación, el habla y la apariencia facial y nasolabial, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Within the standard treatment of patients with labio-maxillo-palatal cleft is presurgical orthopedics. This procedure seeks to modulate the position, alignment and stabilization of the maxillary segments prior to the first surgery. Although it is widely used, its effectiveness is currently controversial. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified 14 systematic reviews that included 57 primary studies, five of which correspond to randomized trials. We conclude that it is uncertain whether presurgical orthopedics improves or deteriorates maxillary morphology, because the certainty of the evidence has been very low. On the other hand, presurgical orthopedics may make little or no difference to facial growth and development, occlusal alterations, parental satisfaction, feeding, speech, and facial and nasolabial appearance, but the certainty of the evidence is low.

Presurgical Alignment of Bilateral Cleft Segments With 3D Simulation Under Special Consideration of the Vomer: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of presurgical orthopedics (PSO) for patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate is to correct the protruded and/or twisted premaxilla. However, PSO is associated with the risk of uncontrolled development of the vomer, which has received little attention to date. SOLUTION: We present a removable orthodontic device that can be used to keep or align the vomer and the premaxilla in the midline during preoperative molding of cleft segments independently and 3 dimensionally.

What Is the Burden of Care of Nasoalveolar Molding?

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in the context of burden of care defined as physical, psychosocial, or financial burden on caregivers. SEARCH METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 5 databases were searched from inception through December 24, 2019, for keywords and subject headings pertaining to cleft lip and/or palate and NAM. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Clinical studies on NAM with reference to physical (access to care, number of visits, distance traveled), psychosocial (caregiver perceptions, family interactions, breast milk feeding), and financial (direct and indirect costs) burden were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection was performed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: The search identified 1107 articles and 114 articles remained for qualitative synthesis. Burden of care domains were discussed but not measured in 43% of articles and only 25% assessed burden of care through a primary outcome. Of these, 20 articles reported on physical, 8 articles on psychosocial, and 12 articles on financial burden. Quality of evidence is limited by study design and risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Nasoalveolar molding has been indiscriminately associated with burden of care in the literature. Although NAM may not be the ideal treatment option for all patients and families, the physical considerations are limited when accounting for the observed psychosocial advantages. Financial burden appears to be offset, but further research is required. Teams should directly assess the impact of this early intervention on the well-being of caregivers and advance strategies that improve access to care.

Presurgical Preparation of Infants With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: The SAC-PP-MR Innovative Technique.

In this article, we demonstrate an effective, cheap, and fast way to shape the nasal alar cartilage in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. This technique straightens the vomer and brings the philtrum, columella, premaxilla, and the maxillary frenum to the midsagittal plane, while the alveolar ridges are shaped and positioned. This reduces the lip and palatal cleft to zero even in a 4-week period.

The Effect of DynaCleft® on Cleft Width in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The specific aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess the efficacy of DynaCleft® as a method of presurgical orthopedics with infants with a unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate who used an oral obturator. STUDY DESIGN: Data was collected from 25 infants all of comparable age diagnosed with a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Eight patients used DynaCleft ® and an obturator (Group Alpha) and seventeen patients only had an obturator (Group Beta). Maxillary impression casts were obtained from each patient at the initial clinic visit and at the time of cleft lip repair. Differences in alveolar cleft width were compared between the two groups. Casts were measured twice by one observer using a digital caliper. RESULTS: Group Alpha began treatment on an average age of 24.25 days and Group Beta an average of 15.35 days of age. The average cleft width of Group Alpha was 8.13 mm and after treatment it was 4.59 mm. The average cleft width of Group Beta was 8.09 mm and 6.92 mm after treatment. Results of paired t-tests and two-sample t-test showed that cleft width changes between the two groups were significant (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: DynaCleft ® significantly decreased the size of the alveolar cleft width compared to infants who did not use it. Providers should consider using DynaCleft® for patients who may not have access to infant maxillary orthopedics.

Evaluation of a Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetric Method to Identify and Measure the Palatal Surface Area in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetric method for area delimitation and evaluation of the dental arches of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Obtained data were also used to assess the 3D changes occurring in the maxillary arch with the use of orthopedic therapy prior to rhinocheiloplasty and before the first year of life. DESIGN: Within the collaboration between the Università degli Studi di Milano (Italy) and the University CES of Medellin (Colombia), 96 palatal cast models obtained from neonatal patients with UCLP were analyzed using a 3D stereophotogrammetric imaging system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The area of the minor and greater cleft segments on the digital dental cast surface were delineated by the visualization tool of the stereophotogrammetric software and then examined. "Trueness" of the measurements, as well as systematic and random errors between operators' tracings ("precision") were calculated. RESULTS: The method gave area measurements close to true values (errors lower than 2%), without systematic measurement errors for tracings by both interoperators and intraoperators (P > .05). Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were noted for alveolar segment and time. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary segments have the potential for growth during presurgical orthopedic treatment in the early neonatal period. The cleft segment delimitation on digital dental casts and area measurements by the 3D stereophotogrammetric system revealed an accurate (true and precise) method for evaluating the stone casts of newborn patients with UCLP.

Nasoalveolar molding in a case of incomplete cleft lip: Is it worth doing?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of presurgical nasoalveolar molding in an infant with incomplete cleft lip and alveolar notch. The patient was a 15-day-old female infant with a two-thirds vertical separation of the left side of the upper lip, with an intact nasal sill. A modified molding appliance was made to improve nasal esthetics and correct the alveolar notch. Although the nasal and alveolar region abnormalities were not serious, the molding appliance improved the nasal and lip esthetics and was stable during the 4-year follow-up.

Maxillary growth after maxillary protraction: Appliance in conjunction with presurgical orthopedics, gingivoperiosteoplasty, and Furlow palatoplasty for complete bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with protruded premaxilla.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) with premaxillary protrusion, a good outcome with adequate maxillary development is difficult to achieve. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the maxillary growth after using presurgical orthopedics (PSO), gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP), Furlow palatoplasty, and maxillary protraction appliance (MPA) for BCLP with premaxillary protrusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with complete BCLP with premaxillary protrusion were treated by PSO, cheiloplasty, GPP, and Furlow palatoplasty. MPA was used as part of the protocol for 6 months to 1 year for postoperative retardation of maxillary growth cases. Maxillary growth was evaluated by cephalometric analysis at 4 and 10 years of age, and bone formation at the alveolar cleft was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) imaging at 5 years of age. RESULTS: At 4 years of age, three of seven patients had apparent retardation of maxillary growth. The maxillary growth at 10 years of age was equivalent to the average value of normal Japanese after using MPA in three cases. At 5 years of age, only two of seven patients showed sufficient bone formation at the alveolar cleft to avoid alveolar bone grafting (ABG). Subsequently, ABG was performed in five patients. DISCUSSION: Although three of seven patients had apparent crossbite at 4 years of age, the maxillary growth of all patients at 10 years of age was approximately equivalent to the average value of normal Japanese after using MPA. A treatment protocol based on PSO, GPP, Furlow palatoplasty, and MPA may be an option, but long-term growth is unknown.

Premaxillary characteristics in complete bilateral cleft lip and palate: A predictor for treatment outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate how bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) cases responded differently to presurgical orthopedics (PSO) and primary lip repair (LR) based on premaxillary characteristics. We suggest a clinically oriented descriptive classification for BCLP based on premaxillary characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective longitudinal comparative study where available records of all non-syndromic patients with complete BCLP attending the Cleft Clinic, affiliated to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt were assessed. SAMPLE POPULATION AND METHODOLOGY: Twenty-two cases were collected over a 4-years period from 2008 to 2011 (15 boys and 7 girls). Model assessment was performed for serial models representing four stages of treatment; M1: Prior to start of PSO, M2: At the end of PSO, M3: One month after LR, M4: Three months after LR. The premaxillary and vomerine widths were measured on M1. Models (M1-M4) were assessed for changes in anteroposterior projection, anterior arch width, intercanine width and posterior arch width and results were statistically analyzed. Intra-and postoperative surgical findings during and after primary LR were recorded. The sample was divided into two groups based on the premaxillary size and characteristics; Group R: Rudimentary premaxilla and Group P: Prominent premaxilla. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference in premaxillary width between the two groups (P = 0.00), changes in anteroposterior projection of the premaxilla were significant one and three months after LR. Changes in maxillary anterior arch width, intercanine and posterior arch widths were non-significant between groups. Mean age difference between the two groups was only statistically significant at the stage of LR. Surgical differences were noted between the two groups. Postoperatively as compared to group R; group P showed more premaxillary bulge and show at rest, as well as more prolabial stretching. In addition, facial profile was more convex in group P. CONCLUSION: The two types of BCLP outlined in this study are different from several aspects, and hence management should be modified according to each case. This descriptive classification provides a useful tool for evaluation and planning of patients with BCLP.

Rehabilitation of a One-day-Old Neonate with Cleft Lip and Palate using Palatal Obturator: A Case Report.

Feeding a neonate with a complete cleft lip and palate is difficult pursuit due to communication between oral cavity and nasal cavity. A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage the complex problems involved in case of such neonates and their families. Present case is of a 1-day-old neonate having complete bilateral cleft lip and palate for which palatal obturator was constructed. A stepwise simple, easy and uncomplicated procedure for making accurate impressions, maxillary cast and fabrication of palatal obturator in infants with cleft lip and palate has been presented. The objective to present this case report is to emphasize the fact that how these palatal obturators /plates help in feeding, speech/language development, presurgical orthopedics and prevent other associated otorhinolaryngeal problems. How to cite this article: Bansal R, Pathak AK, Bhatia B, Gupta S, Gautam KK. Rehabilitation of a One-day Old Neonate with Cleft Lip and Palate using Palatal Obturator: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(2):145-147.

Modified presurgical nasoalveolar molding in the infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate: a stepwise approach.

Presurgical orthopedics in one or the other form has been an important part of the multidisciplinary approach towards the better cleft care. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) was described as a modified approach to the conventional form of orthopedics. PNAM not only reduces the severity of the alveolar defect before surgery, it also reduces the nasal deformity bringing it near to the normal. Nonsurgical nasal correction forms an important adjunct to the primary nasal repair at the time of primary lip repair. However, acceptance of nasoalveolar molding in Indian set-up has not been wide spread due to various reasons such as lack of the resources and inability of the parents to comply with the frequent adjustment schedule. At the Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Craniofacial surgery at the Nitte University, Mangalore, authors have developed a modification of the PNAM appliance previously described in the literature. The key modification is done at the time of fabrication of the occlusal prosthesis. This modification has made the overall procedure simpler and at the same time helped to reduce the recall visits by half of the originally required. This article describes the fabrication procedure of the modified nasal alveolar molding appliance and the modified treatment protocol in a stepwise manner.