Cleft Lip & Palate Care
Expert Surgical Solutions for Congenital Facial Conditions
Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital conditions affecting a child’s facial structure.
These occur when the developing tissues of the face and mouth don’t join properly during early pregnancy,
leading to openings or separations in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.
These conditions may occur individually or together, and they can vary in severity.
These occur when the developing tissues of the face and mouth don’t join properly during early pregnancy,
leading to openings or separations in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.
These conditions may occur individually or together, and they can vary in severity.
Cleft Lip & Palate Overview
A cleft lip presents as a gap or opening in the upper lip, which can range from a small notch to a complete split that may extend into the nose.
This can affect one side of the lip (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
Cleft lips may also involve the upper gum, potentially affecting dental development.
A well-formed upper lip is essential for normal facial appearance, effective sucking in infants, and the proper formation of speech sounds.
Repairing a cleft lip is generally recommended within the first year of life to support both function and aesthetics.
The palate, or roof of the mouth, separates the oral and nasal cavities and plays a key role in speech and eating.
A cleft palate occurs when this structure fails to close completely, leaving an opening that may affect the soft palate, the hard palate, or both.
Children with cleft palate may have difficulty feeding, recurring ear infections, and speech delays.
Some may also present with a small lower jaw and breathing difficulties, known as Pierre Robin sequence.
Cleft conditions can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, though the exact cause is not always known.
Because lip and palate development occurs independently, a child may have one condition or both.
Treatment involves a multidisciplinary team including oral surgeons, pediatricians, speech therapists, orthodontists, and audiologists.
This collaborative approach ensures optimal support for feeding, speech, dental development, and emotional wellbeing.
Surgical repair of a cleft lip is typically done between 3 to 6 months of age.
Palate repair is usually completed between 7 and 18 months, depending on the child’s development.
Bone grafting may be performed between ages 8 to 12 if the gum ridge is affected, often followed by orthodontic care or jaw surgery if needed.
While results are highly successful, some children may need additional surgeries or speech therapy as they grow.
With early, skilled care, children with cleft lip and palate can enjoy excellent long-term results in function, speech, and appearance.
This can affect one side of the lip (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).
Cleft lips may also involve the upper gum, potentially affecting dental development.
A well-formed upper lip is essential for normal facial appearance, effective sucking in infants, and the proper formation of speech sounds.
Repairing a cleft lip is generally recommended within the first year of life to support both function and aesthetics.
The palate, or roof of the mouth, separates the oral and nasal cavities and plays a key role in speech and eating.
A cleft palate occurs when this structure fails to close completely, leaving an opening that may affect the soft palate, the hard palate, or both.
Children with cleft palate may have difficulty feeding, recurring ear infections, and speech delays.
Some may also present with a small lower jaw and breathing difficulties, known as Pierre Robin sequence.
Cleft conditions can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, though the exact cause is not always known.
Because lip and palate development occurs independently, a child may have one condition or both.
Treatment involves a multidisciplinary team including oral surgeons, pediatricians, speech therapists, orthodontists, and audiologists.
This collaborative approach ensures optimal support for feeding, speech, dental development, and emotional wellbeing.
Surgical repair of a cleft lip is typically done between 3 to 6 months of age.
Palate repair is usually completed between 7 and 18 months, depending on the child’s development.
Bone grafting may be performed between ages 8 to 12 if the gum ridge is affected, often followed by orthodontic care or jaw surgery if needed.
While results are highly successful, some children may need additional surgeries or speech therapy as they grow.
With early, skilled care, children with cleft lip and palate can enjoy excellent long-term results in function, speech, and appearance.
Book a Consultation Today
Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans for cleft lip and palate repair.
Contact us at to schedule your appointment or learn more.
Contact us at to schedule your appointment or learn more.
Want To Know More?
Call us for more information!