Cleft Lip & Palate A cleft palate is a somewhat common birth defect with about 1 in 1600 babies born with a cleft lip and palate. Additionally, about 1 in 2800 babies are born with a cleft lip without a cleft palate. Without treatment, the baby can suffer with problems that prevent the ability to suck preventing them from getting the nutrition and comfort they need. As the baby grows, there can be issues with tooth development and speech development. Thankfully today, we have increased knowledge and treatment options available to help.Cleft Lip and Palate BackgroundThere isn’t one answer to why a baby developed with a cleft lip and/or palate. Most studies point to both genetic and environmental factors, with most people never knowing why it occurred. During fetal development in the womb, a number of bones and tissues have to align and then the tissue joins. In your mouth, you have two palates that make up the roof of the mouth, if these two palates don’t align or join correctly, it is known as a cleft palate. A cleft lip is characterized as an opening at the top of the upper lip, either in the middle of the lip or to one side. How the cleft appears, or the severity of it, can vary, sometimes the cleft can start on one side of the nose and reach all the way to the other. Treatment should be considered, without treatment challenges in how the child eats, drinks and speaks can occur. Additionally, the cleft can affect tooth placement as teeth grow, and result in a gum line that isn’t fully formed. Cleft Treatment OptionsIn most cases, a cleft lip and palate is considered a treatable condition, either resolving the issue or improving the child’s function. Children with these conditions usually require the assistance of multiple medical professionals to support varying problems associated with a cleft lip and palate, including an oral surgeon, an orthodontist, your personal physician, speech therapy and a dietician. Cleft palate surgery generally takes place between the ages of 7 to 18 months old. This can vary based on the severity and situation. If the child has other associated health problems, surgery may be delayed to follow the treatment plan based on their needs. A Cleft palate is usually treated early on with a prosthetic device designed specifically to cover the roof of the mouth and create a barrier between the mouth and the nasal cavity. We may discuss surgery to:
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