Cleft lip and palate

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Throat anatomy

Infant hard and soft palates

Cleft lip repair - series

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Cleft lip and palate

Treatment:

Treatment of cleft lip and palate requires a team approach and involves several specialties, including plastic surgeons, orthodontics, speech therapists, and others. Treatment may extend over a period of several years.

Surgery to close the cleft lip is usually performed at 3 - 9 months of age. Later surgery may be needed if there is extensive nasal involvement.

A cleft palate is usually closed within the first year of life to enhance normal speech development. Until surgery, a prosthetic device is often fitted over the palate for feeding.

Continued follow-up may be needed with speech therapists and orthodontists.

Support Groups:

For additional resources and information, see cleft palate support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Although treatment may extend over several years and require several surgeries depending upon the involvement, most children affected by this disorder can achieve normal appearance, speech, and eating. For some, speech problems may continue.

Complications:

Recurrent ear infections
Hearing loss
Dental cavities
Displaced teeth
Poor speech
Lip deformities
Nasal deformities

Calling your health care provider:

Cleft lip and palate is usually diagnosed at birth. Follow the health care provider's recommendations for follow-up visits. Call if problems arise between visits.

Review Date: 10/22/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, MD, MPH, Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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