Cleft Palate Treatment

What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial malformations in which the parts of the face that form the upper lip and mouth remain separate, instead of fusing together before birth. This failure to fuse occurs in early fetal development, and, in most cases, the cause is unknown. 

Treatment

The treatment for cleft lip and palate often involves surgery, and this is where Drs. Scott, Dr. Patel and a team of specialists come in. Drs. Scott or Dr. Patel may use an infant orthopedic appliance to align the cleft palate segments so the surgeon can more easily repair the cleft palate and lip.

Depending on the severity of the case, more than one surgery may be necessary. In children, surgery usually takes place between three and six months of age. 

Our office is unique in that we serve children with cleft palate from birth through adulthood. We partner with our patients and their families to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.