CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

APPEARANCE OF CLEFT LIP

Cleft lip appears as a split or gap between the upper lip extending up to the base of the nose. In a severe case, the cleft can also involve the maxillary bone. Cleft palate on the other hand is an opening in the roof of the mouth involving the hard and/or the soft palate. One in every seven hundred babies are born with either one of these malformations, or both together.

A combination of genital and environmental factors is responsible for the development of clefts and therefore, they cannot be prevented in utero. It is likely for an infant to be born with clefts if there has been a history of the condition in his/her family. Consuming certain drugs and exposure to viruses or chemicals can also contribute to the development of the abnormality.

HOW CLEFT LIP OR PALATE IS DETECTED AND TREATED

Prenatal ultrasounds can detect clefting in babies prior to their birth. This can allow for parents to discuss treatment options with maxillofacial surgeons. Cleft lip and palate both require surgical intervention to restore the child’s ability to feed, respire and swallow normally. Custom fabricated prosthetic appliances may also be designed for the correction of a separated palate. Apart from the restoration of functionality, it is possible to improve the facial aesthetics of individuals born with cleft lips with the help of cosmetic surgery.

Book an appointment with our team today at (512) 351-7653 to learn all about congenital malformations and their treatment options.