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Addenbrooke's has a cleft lip and palate team of a surgeon, orthodontist,
speech and language therapist and nursing staff.
Nowadays, diagnosis is often made before birth using ultrasound.
After birth, the baby and its parents can meet with the specialist
team to discuss their options and plan for treatment and support.
What are cleft lips and palates?
Part of the normal development of the face of a baby, which
happens early in pregnancy, is the sealing up of the two sides
of the top lip with the area of skin and muscle below the nose.
At about the same time, the two sides of the roof of the mouth
(palate) seal together with the front of the palate (below the
nose). A similar process forms the lower jaw and lip. Taken together,
this gives the normal appearance and function of the top and bottom
lips, a solid palate and one-piece lower jaw.
Sometimes, during pregnancy, something interrupts one or more
of these processes and results in the failure of the lip(s) and/or
palate to meet up. This results in cleft lip and/or palate (usually
the upper lip and palate). Very minor problems lead to just a
dimple in the chin.
What can be done for cleft lip and palates?
Having a cleft lip or palate isn't life threatening but can
make it difficult for a baby to feed. Both cleft lips and palates
can be repaired successfully.
Oral surgeons correct cleft lips and palates. If your child is
affected by a cleft lip and/or palate, they will explain in detail
what surgical options are available and when they will be most
appropriate.
What are the aims of cleft lip and palate surgery?
The surgery for a cleft lip and/or palate aims to restore all
the functions of the mouth and face. The type of surgery recommended
depends on the type of defect. The long-term treatment goals of
good function and aesthetics are usually only achieved by continuing
multi-disciplinary care, which can include bone grafting and orthognathic
surgery.
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