OBJECTIVE: 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.

UNASSIGNED: The present clinical report describes management of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate with presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy for infants.
UNASSIGNED: Orofacial clefts have a negative impact on the health and social integration of individuals affected. Patients undergo numerous procedures until they reach adolescence. The ultimate focus of surgical intervention is to improve the esthetic appearance of the lip and nose by improving the lip scar, nasal tip projection, and symmetry of the nasolabial complex.
UNASSIGNED: This paper discusses a situation in which the parents of a three days old baby with the chief complaint of regurgitation of milk while feeding. On examination, baby had complete left-sided cleft lip and cleft palate (CL+CP).
UNASSIGNED: Before surgery, nasoalveolar molding has been shown to be a useful adjunctive therapy for reducing hard and soft tissue cleft deformity.
UNASSIGNED: Passive preoperative intervention of the lip and alveolar segments helps to reduce tissue tension and is thought to improve surgical outcomes by minimizing wound healing disturbances and scarring.
UNASSIGNED: Shaik N, Eggula A, Pudi S, et al. Presurgical Orthopedic Nasoalveolar Molding in Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):659-662.

UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate linear and volumetric alveolar changes induced by nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and compare the maxillary dimensions after NAM with the normal dimensions in infants without clefts.
METHODS: A total of 26 infants with UCLP treated by NAM (mean age before and after NAM: 14.20 ± 8.09 days and 118.16 ± 10.06 days, respectively) comprised the treatment group, while 26 infants without clefts (mean age: 115.81 ± 8.71 days) comprised the control group. Changes in the maxillary dimensions following NAM were measured on three-dimensional models using Mimics software, version 17.0.
RESULTS: During NAM, there was a decrease in the cleft widths, maxillary arch depths, and rotation of the greater segment. While the anterior alveolar arch width exhibited a significant decrease, the posterior arch width was mostly maintained. There were no changes in the anterior vertical deviations of the alveolar segments. The alveolar crest lengths, arch circumference, and bilateral posterior volumetric measures exhibited an increase. After NAM, the anterior arch width was comparable between the treatment and control groups, whereas the posterior arch width and anterior vertical deviations were greater in the treatment group than in the control group. The maxillary arch depths, alveolar crest lengths, and maxillary volumes were smaller in the NAM group than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: During NAM in infants with UCLP, the cleft width and anteroposterior and transverse alveolar dimensions exhibited a decrease while the vertical dimensions were maintained. Compared with infants without clefts, those with UCLP treated by NAM exhibited sagittal and vertical alveolar growth deficiencies and tissue insufficiency.

Although surgical correction remains the mainstay of treating unilateral/bilateral cleft lip and/or palate deformities, some inadequacies still remain like scarring of the nasolabial complex, multiple interventions to achieve desired results, etc. Presurgical nasoalveolar moulding consists of selective repositioning by active moulding of the alveolar segments as well as the surrounding soft tissue. Clinical case of unilateral mid-facial cleft treated by the same, showed significant reduction in the defect size and improved contour of the columella-philtrum region for superior postsurgical esthetics.