07 Jul Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip: Causes, Treatment, and Support
Every year, thousands of babies are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. These conditions can affect their appearance and ability to eat, speak, and breathe normally. In order to provide the best possible care for cleft lip and palate patients, it is important to understand the condition, its causes, available treatments, and how professionals like orthodontists can help. This guide discusses the causes and treatments and showcases supportive resources.
What Is Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip, while a cleft palate is a similar split in the roof of the mouth. Both of these conditions can occur on one or both sides and can range in severity. They can appear as:
- A small notch in the lip
- A complete separation of the lip or palate
The exact cause of these conditions can vary, but they often result from genetic and environmental factors. A child can inherit a risk of developing a cleft from their parents, but external factors like maternal illness, certain medications, or smoking during pregnancy can also play a role.
Unraveling the Causes
Genetics are a common factor in cleft lip and palate. However, cases do surface without any family history, highlighting the complex interaction between genes and environmental factors. Certain maternal exposures during pregnancy and specific medications can increase the risk. In some scenarios, clefts might accompany other medical syndromes, reinforcing the necessity for thorough medical evaluations.
Classifying Cleft Conditions
Cleft presentations vary, with some appearing on one side (unilateral) and others on both (bilateral). The depth and degree can also differ, with some being complete and others taking the form of a minor notch. Recognizing these variations is pivotal for determining the most effective treatment routes.
Dental Issues It Can Cause
Children with cleft lip or palate often encounter a myriad of dental challenges. One of the most common issues they face is the misalignment of teeth. Additionally, these children might have missing or extra teeth, which can further complicate their dental anatomy and the appearance of their smiles. Dental cavities are also more prevalent in these individuals, primarily due to the difficulty they might experience in effectively cleaning their teeth. Furthermore, malformation of the upper jaw can be a prominent concern, causing functional and aesthetic challenges that require specialized care and intervention. All of these dental issues underscore the importance of regular dental check-ups and specialized orthodontic attention for children with cleft conditions.
How Our Orthodontists Help With Cleft Lip
Some orthodontists specialize in comprehensive dental care for children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Those services include:
- Pre-surgical orthopedics: Using devices to mold or shape the gums, lip, and palate before surgery.
- Aligning teeth: With braces or other orthodontic appliances.
- Jaw surgery: For severe cases where the upper jaw is significantly malformed.
- Post-operative care: Ensuring the teeth and jaw are properly positioned after surgery.
Dr. T. Luke Roberts started the first-ever Cleft Lip and Palate team in Western North Carolina. By hosting Cleft Lip and Palate clinics out of his Asheville office, they were able to help save patients and their families lots of time and travel. Until this team was formed, patients and their families routinely had to travel to Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Chapel Hill or Duke to see a cleft team. The CLP team consists of 8 specialists including a speech pathologist, psychologist, otolaryngologist, dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, audiologist, and a geneticist. Patients who attend the clinics are able to see each of these providers in one day.
By staying informed and leaning on available resources, individuals and families can navigate this journey with confidence and optimism. Contact us for more help with cleft lip and palate.
No Comments