Cleft lip and cleft palate are common defects in newborns. A cleft lip appears as an opening in the upper lip that extends upward toward the nose. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. The cleft is caused when parts of the face fail to develop properly while the baby is in the womb. Several types of surgical treatments can repair cleft lip and palate, and therapy helps with related dental and speech issues.
Surgery
Surgery for a cleft lip can be performed on babies as young as 10 weeks old, according to the Mayo Clinic. The procedure involves sewing the tissues on each side of the cleft together under general anesthesia. Typically, the stitches will disintegrate as the tissues heal, leaving very little scarring.
For cleft palate, surgery is generally done after six months of age. Various surgical procedures may be performed, depending on factors such as the size of the cleft and whether it affects areas where teeth will later develop. Basically a surgeon rearranges tissues and muscles in the mouth to cover the separation and stitches it closed. In some cases, more than one surgery may be required.
The National Library of Medicine notes that the tip of the nose may need to be surgically repaired during or after cleft lip and palate surgery.
Dental Care
Surgeons work closely with orthodontists to ensure that during and after cleft palate repair the existing and future teeth grow in normally. Before cleft palate surgery, an orthodontist will help determine when is the best time to conduct bone grafting, if it is necessary. Bone grafting is a procedure where bone is taken from another area of the body and placed into the ridge of the mouth where teeth will grow. After surgery, the teeth and jaw may need further corrections, suggests the National Library of Medicine. Orthodontists also counsel parents on how to provide oral care specialized for children with cleft palate.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy typically begins at the point of diagnosis and continues after surgical repair of the cleft lip and/or palate. According to the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, a speech therapist can educate parents about possible future impairments and later work with children and families to develop speech and language skills. Speech therapists conduct periodic assessments of speech progress for several years after surgery. The Mayo Clinic adds that often a child may need to see a hearing specialist as well.
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