Nasoalveolar Mold

On December 8, we went back to Dr. Morrissey for the third time.  Once again he was pleased with the progress of the tape and told me to keep pulling her lips as tight as possible.  Because of Rylan's cleft, the base of her nose is also crooked and this was the next thing he wanted to focus on.  He explained a procedure that would force her to wear a retainer-like device in her mouth, with stints that would go up into her nostrils.  A dentist would make an impression of her mouth and then an orthodontist would create the mold.  Every week or so, the orthodontist would need to tighten the mold.  He told me that he would speak with the dentist and orthodontist he works with and get back to me with a more definite plan for appointments.  Meanwhile, we set-up an appointment to come see him again two weeks later.

Of course as soon as I got home, I went online to research the nasoalveolar mold.  It looks like a promising step in her treatment and many families had great results.  Although it will be uncomfortable for her at first, she will quickly get used to it.  Now I just need to wait to hear back from the surgeon.