Three-Dimensional Study on Facial Growth After Preoperative Nasal Alveolar Molding (PNAM) in Patients with Unilateral Complete Cleft lip and Palate

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether PNAM treatment in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate would affect maxillary bone development using CBCT and three-dimensional facial scanning.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle institution.PatientsA total of 37 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were selected.InterventionsGroup 1 (n = 20): PNAM treatment was performed before surgery for unilateral complete cleft lip. Group 2 (n = 17): Unilateral complete cleft lip patients did not receive PNAM treatment before surgery.Main Outcome MeasuresThe linear or angular relationships between the landmark points of the maxilla on the cleft and non-cleft sides in the two groups of patients, the development of the depth, width and height of the maxilla in the two groups of patients, and the development of the facial soft tissue in the two groups of patients.ResultNo significant differences were found between the PNAM and N-PNAM groups in nasal or maxillary dimensions, maxillomandibular relationships, or craniofacial structures. For maxillary morphology, only WLPA (sagittal), DZm, and DMA (coronal) showed significant differences; all other parameters were comparable. No significant differences were observed in any facial soft tissue measurements.ConclusionAfter PNAM treatment, patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate during the mixed dentition period show no adverse effects on nasal and maxillary size, maxillomandibular relationship, or craniofacial structure. Although some three-dimensional parameters (WLPA, DZm, DMA) show statistical differences, these do not affect the overall morphology of the maxilla, mandible, or facial soft tissues.