Effects of nasoalveolar molding on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in primary dentition patients with cleft lip and palate

Background: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic technique used in the management of cleft lip and palate deformities. Despite the widespread use of NAM therapy, there is a need for further investigation to assess its specific effects on arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics. Aim: To evaluate the effects of NAM therapy on maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Design: Patients in primary dentition were referred to the Institutional Department of Orthodontics. The NAM group consisted of 21 patients with UCLP (mean age 4.7 +/- 0.7 years) and 12 patients with BCLP (mean age 4.8 +/- 0.7 years). Sixteen patients with UCLP (mean age 4.9 +/- 0.9 years) and five patients with BCLP (mean age 5.4 +/- 1.1 years) were included in the non-NAM group. The plaster models of all patients were digitized. Dental arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics were analyzed via digital software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for statistical analysis. Results: Intercanine and intermolar widths showed statistically significant differences according to the cleft type (p < .01). There was no statistically significant effect of NAM therapy on maxillary arch parameters and malocclusion characteristics (p > .05). The prevalence of anterior crossbite was 12.1% in the NAM group and 23.8% in the non-NAM group. Conclusion: NAM therapy did not affect the maxillary arch dimensions and malocclusion characteristics in patients with UCLP and BCLP. The cleft type was the main factor, leading to a significant difference in maxillary widths.