Objective: To study the changes of palate cleft gap of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) infants before and after presurgical orthodontic and cheiloplasty.
Methods: The sample consisted of 18 complete UCLP infants who were treated using presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) appliance and cheiloplasty. The maxillary models were obtained at the initial visit, after PNAM treatment 1 month before cheiloplasty, and 2 months after cheiloplasty. The change of palate cleft gap were compared.
Results: After PNAM treatment and cheiloplasty, the lip profile was obviously improved, cleft gap was reduced, and the height of ala nasi fornix was recovered.
Conclusion: PNAM treatment can improve the lip shape and nasal deformity degree of UCLP patient. The cleft gap and upper lip tension are reduced.