Editing Cleft lip and cleft palate (section)

====Pre-surgical devices====

In some cases of a severe bilateral complete cleft, the premaxillary segment will be protruded far outside the mouth.

[[Nasolabial fold|Nasoalveolar molding]] prior to surgery can improve long-term nasal symmetry where there is complete unilateral cleft lip–cleft palate, compared to correction by surgery alone, according to a retrospective [[cohort study]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Barillas I, Dec W, Warren SM, Cutting CB, Grayson BH | title = Nasoalveolar molding improves long-term nasal symmetry in complete unilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients | journal = Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | volume = 123 | issue = 3 | pages = 1002–1006 | date = March 2009 | pmid = 19319066 | doi = 10.1097/PRS.0b013e318199f46e | s2cid = 24514123 }}</ref> In this study, significant improvements in nasal symmetry were observed in multiple areas including measurements of the projected length of the nasal ala (lateral surface of the external nose), position of the superoinferior alar groove, position of the mediolateral nasal dome, and nasal bridge deviation. "The nasal ala projection length demonstrated an average ratio of 93.0 percent in the surgery-alone group and 96.5 percent in the nasoalveolar molding group," this study concluded. A [[systematic review]] found in conclusion that nasoalveolar molding had a positive effect on the primary surgery of cleft lip/or palate treatment and aesthetics.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Maillard S, Retrouvey JM, Ahmed MK, Taub PJ | title = Correlation between Nasoalveolar Molding and Surgical, Aesthetic, Functional and Socioeconomic Outcomes Following Primary Repair Surgery: a Systematic Review | journal = Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Research | volume = 8 | issue = 3 | pages = e2 | date = September 30, 2017 | pmid = 29142654 | pmc = 5676312 | doi = 10.5037/jomr.2017.8302 }}</ref>