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What is Cleft Lip / Cleft Palate?
A cleft lip is an upper lip that is split, something that affects one out of every 700 babies in the U.S. Like a cleft palate, it is caused by the failure of the two sides of the face to unite properly while the baby is in the womb. Although no one knows exactly why clefts happen, they have a tendency to run in families. Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and certain drugs when used during pregnancy are possible causes.
A cleft palate occurs when there is a direct opening between the palate, or roof of the mouth, and the floor of the nose. During pregnancy, the baby's upper jaw fails to close as it should, leaving a gap. A cleft palate is a more serious condition than a cleft lip, although both require surgery in order to be corrected.
Eating, breathing, speech and psychological problems are some of the difficulties confronted by the child with a cleft lip or palate. To correct the condition, you will likely work with a team involving a plastic surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist), general dentist, orthodontist and oral surgeon.
How Do I Know If My Baby Has a Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate?
The doctor who delivers your baby will probably be able to tell right away if he or she has a cleft lip or palate. A cleft lip is easy enough to see. A cleft palate can vary in size from a small crack to a large hole in the roof of the mouth, and will become apparent soon after birth, if not immediately. When a baby with a cleft palate tries to feed, liquids or food may come out of its nose — something that can be addressed with special bottles and extra care until the baby is old enough to undergo surgery.
How are Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates Treated?
Surgically closing a cleft lip is simpler than repairing a cleft palate. The procedure is usually performed within three to four months after birth, and the scar usually fades as the child gets older.
With a cleft palate, surgery is delayed until the child is one to two years old, when the upper jaw has reached normal growth. If the damage is extensive, surgery may be put off until the child is between five and seven to prevent structural problems. In some cases, surgery is not possible or may not totally close the opening. In this case, a denture-like appliance, called an obturator, is made to cover the opening and allow normal eating.
Depending on the severity of the cleft palate, multiple surgeries may be required over an extended period of time. A plastic and/or maxillofacial surgeon performs corrective surgery on the face, while a general dentist, oral surgeon, otolaryngologist and/or orthodontist make appliances to correct any defects.
Your healthcare team will provide guidance and encouragement during the difficult time from birth to treatment. With the advances in surgical techniques and corrective appliances, the outlook for children born with cleft lips and palates is excellent. As the child gets older, little sign of the cleft should remain.
Back to the Medical Conditions & Oral Health Index Page
Cleft Lip Palate
Identifying Cleft Palate Symptoms
Cleft palate is the result of a baby's upper jaw not fully closing during pregnancy. Learn what to look for to identify the symptoms of cleft palate, here.
Why You Could Have a Swollen Soft Palate
A swollen soft palate is not a condition to take lightly. Learn more about what your palate is telling you including symptoms and treatments.
Cleft Lip Treatments and Repair Options
Your child's care team can explain the specific cleft lip treatments your child will need, now and in the future. Read about your options here.
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur because a baby's lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. A cleft lip is an upper lip that is split. It is caused by the failure of the tissue of the lip to join. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not come together.
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