Cleft lip is a facial and oral malformations that occurs early in pregnancy, as the baby is developing in the mother’s womb. A cleft lip results when the mouth or lip area lacks tissue to form properly, or if the tissue is available, it does not come together properly. A cleft lip is therefore created, and manifests itself as an opening in the upper lip between the mouth and nose.
Cleft Palate
A cleft palate is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth. A cleft palate can involve the the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth, and/or the soft back part of the roof of the mouth.
Children born with either or both of these conditions usually need the skills of several professionals to manage the problems associated with the defect such as feeding, speech, hearing and psychological development. In most cases, surgery is recommended. When surgery is done by an experienced, qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon such as our doctors, the results can be quite positive.
Cleft Lip Treatment
Cleft lip surgery is usually performed when the child is about ten years old. The goal of surgery is to close the separation, restore muscle function, and provide a normal shape to the mouth. The nostril deformity may be improved as a result of the procedure or may require a subsequent surgery.
Cleft Palate Treatment
A cleft palate is initially treated with surgery safely when the child is between 7 to 18 months old. This depends upon the individual child and his/her own situation. For example, if the child has other associated health problems, it is likely that the surgery will be delayed.
The major goals of surgery are to:
- Close the gap or hole between the roof of the mouth and the nose.
- Reconnect the muscles that make the palate work.
- Make the repaired palate long enough so that the palate can perform its function properly.
The cleft hard palate is generally repaired between the ages of 8 and 12 when the cuspid teeth begin to develop. The procedure involves placement of bone from the hip into the bony defect, and closure of the communication from the nose to the gum tissue in three layers. It may also be performed in teenagers and adults as an individual procedure or combined with corrective jaw surgery.
Our doctors will discuss the options parents may have for their child’s surgery.