Cleft Lip & Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects affecting the face and mouth. These conditions can impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly, and they often require coordinated care from a team of specialists. Our oral surgery team is experienced in diagnosing and surgically treating these conditions to support healthy development and function.

Understanding Cleft Conditions in Children

A cleft lip or cleft palate occurs when facial tissues fail to fully join during early pregnancy. A cleft lip presents as a separation in the upper lip, while a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. These may occur individually or together and vary in severity. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are key to helping your child eat, speak, and grow with confidence.

What Is a Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip that can be small or extend up into the nose. It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the mouth, and can also impact the upper gum line. A proper upper lip is essential for speech development, appearance, and proper feeding in infants. Surgical repair is usually recommended within the first year of life to restore both function and aesthetics.

What is the process?

The palate, or roof of the mouth, separates the mouth from the nasal passages. A cleft palate occurs when this area fails to fully close during development, leaving a gap in the soft or hard palate. Children with cleft palate may have difficulty feeding, frequent ear infections, speech delays, and other developmental concerns.

Causes and Risk Factors

Roughly 1 in every 800 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate. These conditions can result from genetic factors, environmental influences, or both. Since lip and palate development occur separately in utero, a child may be born with one or both abnormalities.

Coordinated Treatment Approach

Treating cleft conditions often requires a collaborative team of experts. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work closely with pediatricians, orthodontists, speech therapists, and audiologists to create a customized plan for feeding, speech, dental care, and emotional wellbeing.

Surgical Treatment Timeline

Cleft Lip Repair: Typically performed when the child is between 3 to 6 months old. This surgery restores the lip’s appearance and muscle function, and may also include nasal reshaping if needed.
Cleft Palate Repair: Usually performed between 7 to 18 months of age. The procedure closes the opening, reconnects important muscles for speech, and helps prevent food and fluid from entering the nasal passages. Techniques vary by case and surgeon, and parents are encouraged to discuss options in detail during consultations.

Additional Procedures and Long-Term Care

As a child grows, follow-up procedures may be required to support dental development and jaw alignment. These may include:

Bone Grafting: Grafting bone (often from the hip) into the gum area to support permanent teeth—typically done between ages 8–12.
Orthognathic Surgery: Jaw surgery in older children or adults to correct alignment and improve facial balance.

Recovery and Expectations

Many children experience an immediate improvement in feeding and comfort following palate surgery. However, minor complications like small openings (fistulas) can occur and may require follow-up care. Ongoing monitoring and speech therapy are often part of the long-term plan for optimal results.

Schedule a Consultation

With experienced surgical care and a multidisciplinary approach, most children with cleft conditions go on to lead full, healthy lives with excellent function and appearance. If your child has been diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about available treatment options.