Date: April 2022.
Source: The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. doi:10.1177/10556656221095393.
Objective: We present a novel digital workflow to provide presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) treatment for a patient with a unilateral cleft lip/palate utilizing nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and a custom postsurgical nasal stent.
Setting: Within the US military healthcare system, the Joint Base San Antonio Craniofacial Anomalies Team utilizes dental scanners, predictive 3D modeling software, and 3D printing technology in a digital workflow for NAM appliance fabrication.
Workflow: Soft tissue facial scanning, peri-oral scanning, and dental putty impressions are used to facilitate fabrication and measure outcomes. Digital modeling software and 3D resin printing are utilized to manufacture the prescribed devices.
Results: Extra-oral facial scans and intra-oral impressions are compared between 3 timepoints: pre-treatment, posttreatment with NAM, and postsurgical treatment.
Conclusions: The ability to share workflows, establish outcome standards, and streamline patient care will continue to advance best practices in digital PSIO.
Article: Novel Digital Workflow for Nasoalveolar Molding and Postoperative Nasal Stent for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate.
Authors: Chad B Carter, DDS, Francisco F Gallardo, Jr., DDS, MS, Hannah E Colburn, DMD, MS, FACP, Daniel W Schlieder, MD, DDS, FACS, Lackland Air Force Base and Brooke Army Medical Center, TX, USA.