Cleft lip and cleft palate
A cleft is a separation in the lip or the roof (palate) of the mouth. Some children are born with both a cleft lip and palate; others are born with one or the other. Approximately 1 out of every 700 children is born with an oral-facial cleft. It occurs in both sexes and in all races.
Cause
The exact cause of this congenital condition is not completely understood. Studies suggest that a combination of genetics and environmental factors are involved. Some clefts are isolated while others are associated with syndromes.
- Feeding an infant with a cleft palate can be particularly challenging. Parents are instructed how to use special bottles and nipples which help with adequate formula intake.
- Children with a cleft palate are prone to ear infections because some of their palatal muscles which are needed to open the eustachian tubes do not function well.
- Teeth may grow crooked or in the wrong location such as in the roof of the mouth. Some teeth may be missing.
- Speech production can be altered due to inadequate palate function and improperly aligned or missing teeth.
The Craniofacial Team
This team is a group of dedicated professionals who manage the care and treatment of children with oral-facial clefts. They also manage other types of craniofacial anomalies. The team members include plastic surgeons, orthodontists, oral surgeons, otolaryngologists (ENT), a geneticist, a psychologist, speech therapists, an audiologist, a nurse practitioner and staff nurses.
The team will develop a comprehensive plan of care to assure that all treatments and services are implemented in a coordinated manner. The plan of care is revised and updated every year based on the child’s growth and development.