Effects of AlignBabyCleft (ABaCleft)

Overview

Since the appearance of presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) as a treatment for patients with cleft lip and palate ( CLP) , numerous techniques have been described with the aim of aligning the displaced alveolar segments and restoring the position of the lateral cartilage, thus improving the results of primary surgery. Currently, the most used technique in the different protocols is the nasoalveolar molding (NAM) described by Grayson, from which variants and modifications have emerged in order to improve its results and provide greater comfort for both the patient and their caregivers. However, the main drawback of traditional acrylic NAM is the need for sequential addition of acrylic to reduce the size of the indentation. These weekly adjustments consume time and resources for the caregiver and the orthodontist. Likewise, it has been observed that acrylic resin can cause inflammation, irritation and gingival ulceration due to excessive pressure. PSIO treatment in newborns is a complex procedure that could benefit from simplification through digitization, providing accuracy and precision, avoiding risks such as respiratory obstruction and cyanosis that can be produced by taking impressions with alginates or silicones, most of them needing to be performed under general anesthesia. Until now, infant care has been left out of such digitization, despite the fact that the majority of babies who need early orthodontic treatment often suffer from craniofacial disorders. However, in recent years numerous advances have been made in this type of treatment, both in taking records, and in the application of more physiological, lighter and constant forces, providing greater comfort, better acceptance and less pain for the patient . These changes represent a great advance applicable to patients with CLP.

The AlingBabyCleft (AbaCleft) trial will be designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial, with an investigator blinded, superiority trial with two parallel arms. Active treatment will be planned as soon as possible after the patient's birth, once the patient has been diagnosed with CLP and once the caregivers have been duly informed about the clinical trial, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. The main objective (MO) of this study is to analyze the changes that occur in the dental arches of a newborn patient, diagnosed with CLP, with PSIO performed with transparent aligners, a technique that is very different from that performed in this type of surgery in patients to date.