Nasoalveolar molding: A review

Abstract

Nasoalveolar molding represents a paradigm shift from the traditional presurgical orthopedics in cleft lip and palate patients which has been applied increasingly in the past two decades. Nasoalveolar moulding (NAM) is a nonsurgical way to reshape and align the gingiva, lip and nostrils to reduce the severity of the cleft before the conventional cleft lip and palate surgery. It requires an interdisciplinary approach for achieving the best results. This article is a review of recent literature apropos of objectives, technique, appliance design and adjustments and complications of this technique.