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Cleft Lip & Palate Cleft LipA cleft lip is a condition that affects the upper lip of roughly 1 in 1000 babies born in the United States. A cleft lip results in an opening at the top of the upper lip, either in the middle of the lip or to one side. Sometimes the cleft can start on one side of the nose and reach all the way to the other. A cleft lip can result in difficulty speaking, eating and drinking.The cleft can affect tooth placement and result in a gumline that isn’t fully formed. Cleft PalateA cleft palate can have all the same indicators and effects on the child as a cleft lip. A cleft palate has an opening in the roof of the mouth that opens into the nasal cavity, but a cleft lip does not.TreatmentCleft lip and palate are treatable conditions. Children with these conditions usually require the skills and consultation of a few different medical professionals to manage all the issues that can arise. In many cases our doctors are able to treat these conditions surgically with impressive results.Cleft lips can start being treated several months after birth, to close the gap in the lip and restore function to the mouth. Occasionally multiple surgeries will be required, depending on the case at hand. Cleft palate is usually treated early on with a prosthetic device designed specifically for covering the roof of the mouth and creating a barrier between the mouth and the nasal cavity. Surgery to correct a cleft palate is typically done between the ages of six months and one year. Call our office today at (516) 741-4415 with any questions you have, or to set up an appointment. |
