Date: October 2024.
Source: International Dental Journal, Volume 74, Supplement 1, Pages S149-S150, ISSN 0020-6539, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2024.07.1033.
Objective: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital deformities and its management is a long process that begins immediately after birth and continues into adulthood. The primary goals of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) treatment are to reduce the severity of the initial cleft deformity, bring the segments closer to reduce scar tissue, minimize the need for secondary grafting and reduce the need for reoperations. The purpose of this case report is to evaluate the changes in the faces of three infants with bilateral and unilateral CLP who underwent NAM treatment(T1) and postoperative(T2) changes using three-dimensional imaging technique (3dMD) and to conduct long-term (10-years) follow-up.
Case Description: 3dMD records of three infants were taken before NAM(T0), after NAM(T1) and one month after surgery(T2). The images were transferred to 3dMDvultus software and linear measurements were performed on 10 anthropometric points to determine the differences in nasolabial region between T0-T1 and T1-T2. Subsequently, the patients were followed up about 10 years and the necessary orthopedic and orthodontic treatments were initiated based on comprehensive analyses.
Discussion: In this case report, 3dMD was preferred for capturing records of infants due to its advantages such as non-invasive, no radiation, and not affected by patient positioning. Although the short-term effects of NAM treatment are known, there are few studies in the literature regarding its long-term effects. Future studies with larger patients and longer follow-ups are needed to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Conclusions: Significant improvement in nasolabial anatomy was observed in all 3 patients after NAM. As a result of long-term follow-up, orthopaedic and orthodontic treatment needs were identified in patients with detected dentofacial malocclusions.
Article: Long-Term Follow-up of Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate.
Authors: Beril Erdil, Samet Özden, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye.