Cleft Lip & Palate Repair

What Is Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most prevalent major birth anomalies, affecting about 1 in every 700 births in the United States. These facial irregularities develop during pregnancy when insufficient tissue in the mouth or lip area prevents proper fusion before birth. Genetic factors or isolated developmental issues may contribute to this condition.

A cleft lip is visibly apparent and typically straightforward to address and simply closes the gap in the upper lip, restoring normal eating and speech functions.

In contrast, a cleft palate involves an opening between the roof of the mouth (palate) and the nasal cavity floor.

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate can arise independently or alongside more than 400 different syndromes. It's crucial that children born with these conditions undergo evaluations for other potential birth defects.

Identifying A Cleft Lip Or Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate can range in size, from a narrow gap in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) to a wide separation of the upper lip extending toward the base of the nose (cleft lip). Typically, these conditions are identified shortly after birth, though prenatal ultrasound is increasingly used for early detection.

Dr. Gilbert offers prenatal guidance if a cleft is detected before birth or provides support in the nursery after delivery. We understand the challenges and uncertainties you may face during this period and are committed to assisting you in every possible way.

What Are The Difficulties With A Cleft Lip Or Cleft Palate?

Cleft lip or palate can present significant challenges affecting a child's ability to speak, breathe, eat, and may lead to psychological issues as they grow older, depending on the severity of the condition.

What Is The Treatment Plan For Cleft Lip Or Cleft Palate?

Treatment typically begins early in childhood with surgical interventions aimed at improving facial appearance and functional abilities, including eating, breathing, and speech. A cleft lip is often corrected through a straightforward procedure performed soon after birth, usually around 3-4 months of age.

Surgery to repair a cleft palate typically occurs when the child is between 12 and 18 months old.

Bone graft surgery, aimed at repairing the alveolar part of the cleft, is typically performed between ages 6 and 11, preceding the eruption of permanent canine teeth. Prior to this procedure, orthodontic treatment, such as braces, may be necessary and beneficial.

Children with cleft lips and/or palates often undergo multiple surgeries beyond their initial repair. These may include scar revisions, pharyngeal flaps to aid in speech improvement, rhinoplasty to address nasal deformities linked to the cleft, and corrective jaw surgery to manage discrepancies in jaw size resulting from the cleft and subsequent scar tissue formation.

Successful treatment of cleft conditions requires a coordinated team effort involving various professionals. Dr. Gilbert collaborates closely with a comprehensive cleft team comprising speech pathologists, audiologists, otolaryngologists, orthodontists, and pediatricians. To schedule an appointment for your child with Dr. Scott Warren, please reach out to our office today.