Evaluation of efficacy of a novel extraoral nasoalveolar molding technique with lip taping in cleft lip and palate patients

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an extraoral nasal molding device (EONMD) with lip taping in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The objectives of the study were to compare and evaluate the dimensions of cleft and alveolus, the morphology of the nostrils, and the width of the cleft lip between pre- and posttherapy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on seven patients with CLP which included four unilateral and three bilateral clefts. A novel EONMD along with lip taping was used for approximation of clefts. Extraoral and intraoral measurements were done pre- and post-nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy. Intraoral measurements included dimensions of cleft and alveolus, and extraoral measurements included the morphology of the nostrils and the width of cleft lip. Results: Intraorally, there was a reduction in intersegment distance. There was also an increase in the arch width along with the larger and smaller segment length which may be attributed to the growth in both unilateral and bilateral CLP. The measurements of the nose revealed a statistically significant increase in bialar width and increase in the columellar length and columellar width in both unilateral and bilateral CLP. The nostril attained its shape because of the nasal molding in all the cases. The lip measurement showed reductions in the cleft lip width. Conclusions: The study has quantitatively shown that the novel approach of presurgical NAM therapy with an EONMD with lip taping has significant advantages in the treatment of unilateral and bilateral CLP patients.