2012 American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomates annual meeting: the role of pediatric dentists in the presurgical treatment of infants with cleft lip/cleft palate utilizing nasoalveolar molding.

The pediatric dentist plays a crucial role in the treatment and management of infants born with cleft deformities of the lip, alveolus, and palate. At New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City, 70% of infants with cleft lip/cleft palate (CLCP) are detected on prenatal ultrasound analysis. Thus, the role of the pediatric dentist can start as early as prenatal counseling. Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is delivered during the first 3 to 5 months of life. During this stage of treatment, the pediatric dentist establishes the foundation of the “cleft dental” home and initiates the first stage of anticipatory guidance. Consequently, parents are educated and motivated to initiate oral hygiene care upon eruption of the first primary teeth. The purpose of this paper was to describe the role of the pediatric dentist in performing nasoalveolar molding and also describe its indications, appliance design, fabrication, biomechanics, complications, and patient management.