Management of cleft lip and palate: The role of nasoalveolar molding in nasal and alveolar reconstruction

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are among the most common congenital deformities affecting the orofacial region, often associated with significant nasal deformities. These conditions arise due to improper fusion of facial prominences during embryonic development, leading to asymmetrical and malformed nasal structures. Unilateral CLP cases commonly exhibit a shortened columella, mispositioned alar base, and displaced nostrils, while bilateral CLP results in a widened, flat nasal tip, absent columella, and protruding premaxilla. Early intervention is critical to improving both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) has emerged as an effective pre-surgical technique for addressing CLP deformities. NAM aims to reduce the severity of the cleft by repositioning nasal cartilage, aligning lip segments, and lengthening the columella. The technique also helps in minimizing the number of surgeries required, reducing treatment costs, and promoting favorable bone formation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformities the role of NAM in pre-surgical management, and the associated benefits in optimizing treatment outcomes.