A cleft lip and palate is a birth defect that affects the structure of patients' mouths. With a cleft lip, patients have a split in their lips that can extend up to the nostril. A cleft palate affects the roof of the mouth. MedlinePlus explains that a cleft palate occurs in every one out of 2,500 people. Since these disorders affect the construction of patients' mouths, patients can have long-term complications.
Dental Disorders
The MayoClinic.com explains that if the cleft palate affects the upper gum, the patient can have dental problems. For example, patients may have displaced teeth, with large gaps in between each tooth. Braces can rectify this dental problem. A doctor can perform a teethridge bone grafting, in which she transplants bone from other areas of the body into the patient's mouth behind the upper front teeth. This procedure helps the teeth to grow normally. The cleft palate can also make patients' teeth prone to cavities, which require fillings.
Facial Deformities
A cleft lip can cause noticeable changes to the patient's face. Even after having repair surgery, patients may have changes to their lips. For example, patients may not have a ridge in the center of their lips. Other patients may have scars from the reconstructive surgery. MedlinePlus notes that a cleft lip that extends to the nostril can result in nasal deformities. If a patient has a left unilateral cleft lip, meaning the cleft only occurs on the left side of his face, the left nostril may be larger than the right nostril.
Ear Problems
The MayoClinic.com points out that having a cleft palate makes patients prone to having ear infections. In particular, patients have frequent middle ear infections, which causes pain in the ear. Patients may not respond to sounds. Other signs include a fever of over 100 degrees F and a clear fluid coming out of the ears. If the ear infection damages the ear, it can lead to hearing loss.
Speech Problems
Both a cleft lip and a cleft palate can affect speech formation, which can result in speech problems, according to MedlinePlus. For example, patients do not produce clear speech, which can make it difficult for other people to understand them. A speech therapist can help patients work on their speech formation and production.
Psychological Issues
The physical changes caused by a cleft lip or palate can cause psychological issues in patients. For example, children with a cleft lip or cleft palate may suffer from teasing or bullying in school. Patients may have low self-esteem and develop depression, in which they feel sad often. Some patients may have behavioral problems, such as acting out. The MayoClinic.com notes that the stress of the medical care for a cleft lip or palate can contribute to these psychological issues.
