Introducing the alveolar moulding obturator (AMO) : an appliance for the early management of cleft palate neonates

Abstract

Clefting of the lip and palate is one of the most common congenital malformations encountered worldwide. It affects about 1 to 1.6 per 1000 live births and is more common in males than in female, occurring more frequently on the left side than it does on the right side of the face. The condition can come as a severe emotional shock to parents, particularly in third world countries where prenatal detection is not affordable and parents cannot be sensitised before the birth of their child. Such emotional trauma can lead to a sense of blame, guilt and strained social relations at a time when family support is most needed.