Mastering Cleft Orthodontics- NAM fabrication

This pre-conference course is designed to offer a deep and practical understanding of cleft lip and palate (CLP) management, focusing on an interdisciplinary approach that spans from infancy through adolescence.
Participants will engage in in-depth discussions, and demonstration of impression techniques, and hands-on training sessions on fabrication of Naso alveolar Molding (NAM) appliance.
The course will also cover cases on arch expansion, distraction osteogenesis, anterior maxillary distraction and orthognathic surgeries. By bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary digital practices, this pre-conference course empowers participants to elevate the standard of cleft care in their practice.

Learning Objectives:
• Impression making in a cleft patient (Conventional and Digital).
• Understand comprehensive cleft care from infancy to adult.
• Role of Orthodontist in Cleft care.
• Develop hands-on skills in NAM appliance fabrication.

Course Faculty – Saveetha Dental College Team

Course Outline:
1. Didactic Lecture Series (2 hours)
2. Mastering Cleft Orthodontics – Hands-on Training in NAM Fabrication (1 hour) Didactic Lecture Series (2 hours)

1. The Orthodontist’s Blueprint: Roles and Milestones in Cleft Care
Speaker: Prof. Dr. S. Murukesan MDS, FOCFD(Taiwan), PhD Professor Saveetha dental College and Hospitals Chennai A foundational overview highlighting the orthodontist’s role from infancy through adolescence in cleft lip and palate (CLP) management. Emphasis on interdisciplinary coordination and treatment timeline.

2. Reimagining Nasolabial Molding: From Traditional to Digital NAM
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Navaneethan R, MDS, PhD Professor and Head(Clinical), Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha dental college and Hospital. Chennai Explore the evolution of nasoalveolar molding (NAM), transitioning from manual to digital workflows. Includes CAD/CAM integration and 3D printing in NAM fabrication.

3. Building the Foundation: Alveolar Bone Grafting & Arch Expansion in CLP
Speaker: Dr. Shweta N, MDS
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha dental college and Hospital. Chennai A clinical perspective on the timing, technique, and orthodontic preparation for secondary alveolar bone grafting, with insights into maxillary arch expansion protocols.

4. Unlocking Growth Potential: Distraction Osteogenesis in Cleft Rehabilitation
Speaker: Dr. Nivethigaa Balakrishnan, MDS Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. Covers principles, indications, and protocols for distraction osteogenesis in CLP to address severe skeletal discrepancies and facilitate long-term rehabilitation.

5. Navigating Anterior Maxillary Distraction in CLP
Speaker: Dr. Remmiya Mary Varghese, MDS Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. An in-depth discussion on the mechanics, planning, and clinical outcomes of anterior segmental distraction to manage midface deficiency in cleft cases.

6. Orthognathic Surgery in Cleft Lip & Palate Cases
Speaker Dr. Sruthi H, MDS
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha dental college and Hospital. Chennai Outlines surgical options, case selection, digital advancements for orthognathic surgery in late-stage cleft correction, focusing on aesthetic and functional rehabilitation.

Hands-On Training Workshop (1 hour)
Crafting the Perfect NAM: A Step-by-Step Fabrication Experience
A practical session where participants will design and fabricate a Nasoalveolar Molding appliance under expert guidance.

By
Prof. Dr.S.Murukesan
Prof. Dr Navaneethan R
Dr Remmiya Mary Varghese
Dr Nivethigaa B
Dr Shweta N
Dr Sruthi H