Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a nonsurgical method of reshaping the gums, lip and nostrils before cleft lip and palate surgery, lessening the severity of the cleft. NAM is used mainly for children with large clefts. Surgery is performed after the molding is complete, approximately three to six months after birth.  

Nasoalveolar Molding allows the orthodontist and surgeon to improve a large cleft in the months before surgery. This helps the surgeon get a better shape of the nose and a thinner scar via only one surgery. A better result in the first surgery results in fewer surgeries later in childhood.