An Overview of the Clinical Technique: Revised Lip Taping Method and its Protocol

HOW WE DO ITusers.This investigation examines the clinical application of lip taping for neonates with CLP at our institution.The objective is to enhance pediatric dentists' and healthcare professionals' understanding of this adapted technique, which has been implemented to achieve the aforementioned goals. Lip Taping Procedure and ObjectiveNewborn cartilage is more elastic and moldable than that of adults, attributed to higher estrogen levels during birth and increased hyaluronic acid, which hinders the bonding of the cartilage's intercellular matrix.This characteristic allows fetal tissues to relax, enabling easier passage through the birth canal.As estrogen levels decrease immediately after birth, cartilage and soft tissue plasticity diminishes. 9,10Therefore, it is recommended to begin lip taping within the 1st week of life when possible.For infants older than 3 months, lip taping should still be considered if surgical repair is delayed, as it provides psychological benefits to parents by offering some form of treatment for the infant. IntroductIonCleft lip and palate (CLP) rank among the most common congenital craniofacial abnormalities, resulting in challenges with feeding, appearance, finances, and mental health, with esthetic issues often taking precedence.The success of surgical repair for the alveolus, lip, and nose depends on various factors, including the gap between alveolar segments, the size of the lip separation, and the position of the premaxilla. [1][2]2][3] The malalignment and collapse of nasal cartilage also impact the outcomes.Bringing together widely separated tissues creates tension from scarring, causing the premaxilla and maxilla to collapse, which leads to additional esthetic complications. 4 To enhance esthetic results, researchers have developed various presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) techniques. [5][6]][7][8] The introduction of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) by Grayson and Cutting in the early 1990s, which takes advantage of the plasticity of newborn cartilage due to elevated hyaluronic acid levels after birth to bring together the cleft segments, has been a topic of research and ongoing modifications to date. 9,10For unilateral CLP, NAM aligns alveolar segments and improves nasal symmetry, while for bilateral CLP, it extends the columella and aligns the premaxilla.Despite criticism that it may hinder maxillary growth, increase family stress, and lack long-term positive effects on treatment outcomes, NAM has evolved in terms of timing, methods (active and passive), and frequency of adjustments. 11,12esearch on lip taping is currently scarce.While it is a crucial element in NAM procedures, lip taping has also shown promise as a standalone treatment, with or without an isolated nasal stent. [13][14]][15] Studies conducted by Pool and Farnworth, Dawjee et al., and randomized controlled trials by El-Ghafour have demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing nasal and labial esthetics prior to surgery and significantly altering maxillary arch dimensions in infants with unilateral complete CLP. [13][14]4][15][16] The technique is valued for its simplicity, effectiveness, affordability, and minimal requirements for expertise and resources as far as commercial tapes are concerned.A standardized, simplified, and cost-effective approach is required to make the method more widely accessible and easier to implement for 1,