Orofacial clefts are birth defects where there is an opening in the lip or roof of the mouth, also known as the palate. These conditions are caused by parts of the lip or palate not fully developing in the fetus during the first three months of pregnancy. Cleft lip and palate are the most common birth defects in the United States occurring in 1 or 2 of 1,000 babies born.
Clefting occurs when sections of the lip or palate do not completely grow together, or fuse. A cleft lip may appear as a small notch on the edge of a baby’s lip or may be extended into the nose or gums.
Cleft palates vary in size, and because the lips and palate develop at different times, it is possible for babies to be born with a cleft lip only, a cleft palate only, or both.
Often a cleft occurs and is part of a syndrome, so there may be other birth defects in other parts of the child’s body. In other cases, clefts are genetic, or hereditary. The risk of your child having a cleft lip or palate may be greater for those parents who have a family history of the birth defect.
Cleft lip and palate may also create other problems for your child, including:
- Feeding problems
- Middle ear fluid buildup and potential hearing loss
- Dental abnormalities
- Speech difficulties
Treatments Offered for Cleft Lip and Palate
At Shriners Hospitals for Children® our team of experts reviews your child’s specific symptoms and will recommend the appropriate treatment. Our services include:
Plastic and reconstructive surgery: Some children with cleft lip and palate may require plastic and reconstructive surgery on the lip and or cleft palate.
Ear, nose and throat surgery: Children will be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat specialist and offered treatment options for potential hearing problems.
Speech therapy: Your child will be evaluated by our speech therapists to evaluate and assess any speech and feeding problems, and also to improve their speech.
Audiology: An audiologist – a specialist in communication disorders as a result of hearing impairments – will assess your child’s hearing and recommend further treatment.
Psychology: In some cases, our mental health specialists will work with your child and family members for any adjustment or other issues caused by the cleft lip and palate.
Orthodontics: Orthodontic care is frequently needed to reposition or straighten teeth. Our care teams include these services in the treatment plans for patients with cleft lip and palate.
Prosthodontics: Depending on the severity of the cleft lip and palate, your child may require artificial teeth or other dental appliances to enhance appearance and to help with eating and speaking.