Abstract: Objective: To observe the effect of using computer-assisted simulation to adjust the position of nose pad on improving the shape of nasal columella during the treatment of infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate before the operation. Methods: Twenty-five children with unilateral complete cleft lip and cleft palate were selected as the experimental group. The inclination angle of the nasal columella, the height and width of the nostril, and alveolar cleft before and after treatment were measured. Twenty-five patients whose parents refused to undergo preoperative correction were selected as the control group. The inclination of the nasal columella, the height and width of the nostrils, and the alveolar fissure were measured at 1-6 weeks and 3 months. Results: In the experimental group, the height of the nostril increased significantly, and the inclination of the nasal columella, the width of the nostril, and the alveolar fissure were significantly reduced (P<0.05). In the control group, there was no significant change in the inclination of the nasal columella and the height of the nostrils in the children who did not undergo nasal alveolar shaping before cleft lip and palate surgery (P>0.05). However, the width of the nostril and the fissure of the alveolar process were still significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The computer-aided design guides the adjustment of the nose pad of the orthodontic appliance before the operation, which has a good effect on the correction of the nostril shape effect of the children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, which is helpful to reduce the difficulty of the operation.

Key words: computer-aided design, presurgical nasoalveolar molding, nose pad, nasal columella