Expanding Access to Presurgical Cleft Care: Digital Nasoalveolar Molding with Clear Aligners in a Rural Low-Income Population.

ABSTRACT: Background: Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) improves outcomes in infants with cleft lip and palate by guiding alveolar segment alignment and enhancing nasal symmetry prior to primary lip repair. However, traditional NAM protocols require frequent clinical visits and specialized expertise, limiting access for families in rural and low-resource settings. Objective: This retrospective clinical study evaluated the feasibility and clinical outcomes of a digitally guided NAM approach using thermoformed clear aligners in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Material and Methods: Twenty-five neonates residing in rural regions were treated over a 20-week pre-surgical period using a digital workflow that included intraoral scanning, 3D model design, and

SUBMITTER: Frazao DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12468677 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature