To determine the effects of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) on nasal airway architecture.
Design:
Retrospective case-control study of patients with unilateral cleft lip treated with NAM vs without NAM.
Setting:
Tertiary referral center specializing in cleft and craniofacial care.
Patients, Participants, and Interventions:
Thirty-six patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and alveolus: 19 with NAM therapy and 17 without NAM therapy.
Main Outcome Measures:
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were compared in multiple coronal sections and were evaluated for linear and angular septal deviation, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and linear and 2-dimensional airway area.
Results:
There were no significant differences in linear or angular septal deviation, inferior turbinate area, linear stenosis, or airway area between NAM- and non-NAM-treated patients.
Conclusions:
NAM effectively molds the external nasal cartilage and structures but may have limited effects on internal nasal structures.
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