The Effect of Nasoalveolar Molding on Nasal Airway Anatomy: A 9-Year Follow-up of Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) on nasal airway architecture.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study of patients with unilateral cleft lip treated with NAM vs without NAM.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center specializing in cleft and craniofacial care. Patients, Participants, and Interventions: Thirty-six patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and alveolus: 19 with NAM therapy and 17 without NAM therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were compared in multiple coronal sections and were evaluated for linear and angular septal deviation, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and linear and 2-dimensional airway area.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in linear or angular septal deviation, inferior turbinate area, linear stenosis, or airway area between NAM- and non-NAM-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

NAM effectively molds the external nasal cartilage and structures but may have limited effects on internal nasal structures.