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At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this surgery and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the surgery and how you can help.
Congratulations on the birth of your child! Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a treatment option offered at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to prepare your child for the lip closure surgery. The goal of treatment is to bring the gum pads (alveolus) together, reducing the size of the cleft/gap between the lips. An important part of this therapy is shaping the cartilage of the nose.
There are variations in cleft lip and palate anatomy. Below are examples of unilateral and bilateral complete cleft anatomy as it relates to NAM therapy.
Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
NAM Examples
Before/mid-way through treatment
NAM treatment - bilateral cleft
Before/After Treatment
There are several different types of NAM techniques. Your doctor will give you specific instructions tailored for your baby's treatment at each visit. It's common to have a short period of the baby adapting after each visit. It's important to be aware of any sores in the mouth, nose, or cheeks. You can use a cotton swab and flashlight to pull back the lips and visualize areas that may be causing discomfort. If any sores are noted, or if the baby refuses to feed or is inconsolably upset, please call and we will see you for a visit prior to the adjustment. If the baby shows any sign of difficulty breathing, remove the plate and go to the emergency room.
Orthodontics/scheduling NAM visits: 412-692-8799
Team Leader: 412-692-7959 office/pager 412-227-1686
After hours or weekend emergencies: Call the hospital operator at 412-692-5325 and ask for the Plastic Surgery resident on call.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With MyCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.