Family strategy for nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

[BACKGROUND] The aim of the study was to demonstrate the therapeutic outcomes after a family strategy for nasoalveolar molding (Family-NAM) in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

[METHODS] Forty patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were categorized into two groups: the group in which the Family-NAM was used and the control group without Family-NAM. The Family-NAM was applied seven days after birth until primary rhinoplasty, while the 3-D alveolar molding plates were applied until primary palatoplasty. Six parameters were measured to evaluate nasal symmetry, and palatal measurements were applied to evaluate the cleft palate size and morphology.

[RESULTS] Before the primary surgical correction, the application of Family-NAM can significantly improve the preoperative nasal morphology. Patients with Family-NAM showed better nasal symmetry at 6-12-month post-operative follow-up compared with the control group. Compared to the control group, the Family-NAM group showed a significantly narrower cleft gap before primary cleft rhinoplasty and before primary palatoplasty.

[CONCLUSION] The Family-NAM can effectively reduce the severity of preoperative clefts and improve the degree of asymmetry and postoperative nasal morphology. It is convenient for infant caregivers by avoiding frequent visits, minimizing complications, and simplifying the courses of preoperative molding treatment.