Nasoalveolar Molding

Cleft lip and palate are congenital abnormalities that affect the upper lip and the hard and soft palate of the mouth. The severity of the abnormalities may range from a small notch in the lip to a complete fissure groove) extending into the roof of the mouth and nose. NAM is a multi-disciplinary treatment approach that combines the expertise of various healthcare professionals, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, plastic surgeons, and speech therapists. The treatment typically begins within the first few weeks of life and continues until the time of surgical intervention, usually around three to six months of age. During this period, the infant wears a custom-made nasal stent or molding plate, which is adjusted periodically to gradually reshape the cleft segments and improve nasal symmetry. A non-surgical procedure called nasoalveolar molding (NAM) involves molding the infant's gums, lips, and nostrils using a custom-made appliance to reduce the lip gap and realign the nasal cartilage. NAM enhances the appearance of the restored lip and nose, reduces the need for extensive surgical operations, and improves long-term speech and dental outcomes.