A Novel Feeding Appliance of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate for Infant with Cleft Palate

Abstract

Feeding difficulties may be experienced in a child born with CLCP (cleft lip and palate). There will be an incomplete fusion of facial and palatal structures; a good seal for the oral cavity is a very important requirement for the nutrition of new baby. This incomplete palate defect may result into nasal regurgitation and choking which is a major risk for the infants. The fatal incidences can be avoided by introducing the feeding appliance as an obturator for an infant. The infant can have better nutrition by the feeding plate. This case presents of a 25-day-old neonate born with a cleft defect in soft and hard palate in which a feeding appliance has given to assist feeding. The appliance was made with ethylene vinyl acetate material, using pressure molding technique. The neonate showed the better feeding acceptance with the feeding plate where she improved her weight gain.