Every parent wants to see their child thrive—speaking clearly, eating with ease, and smiling without hesitation. For children born with a cleft lip or palate, those milestones can feel a little farther away, but they are absolutely within reach. With expert surgical care, what begins as a challenge can become a story of resilience and transformation.
At Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, cleft repair is the first step toward giving your child the comfort, confidence, and opportunities they deserve.
What Is Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip is a separation in the upper lip. It can appear as a small notch or extend upward toward the nose. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that may involve the hard palate at the front, the soft palate at the back, or both.
These conditions can interfere with feeding, speech, and normal oral development. They may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and while the exact cause can’t always be determined, early diagnosis allows for timely treatment planning.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The best results occur when cleft lip repair is performed in infancy, often between 3 and 6 months of age, and cleft palate repair is completed by around 12 to 18 months. Repairing a cleft early supports normal speech development, minimizes feeding difficulties, and promotes healthy facial growth. It can also help prevent dental problems and reduce the social and emotional impact of a visible cleft.
Our Approach to Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the severity and specifics of the cleft. This includes advanced imaging, a physical examination, and close collaboration with other specialists—like pediatricians, orthodontists, and speech therapists.
Your child’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs. Some cases require a single surgery, while others may benefit from a staged approach to achieve the best functional and aesthetic results.
What to Expect During Surgery
Our focus is on precise closure of the cleft to restore normal structure and function. We use advanced techniques that minimize scarring and optimize facial symmetry. For complex cases, 3D imaging and digital surgical planning help us achieve the most accurate outcome.
What to Expect After Surgery
We provide guidance on nutrition, wound care, and speech support while your child recovers. Healing is carefully monitored with scheduled follow-up visits to track progress and address any adjustments needed over time. Long-term care may include additional refinements as your child grows to ensure the best possible results.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair?
Our surgeons are board-certified oral and maxillofacial specialists with years of training in cleft lip and palate repair. We combine this expertise with leading-edge technology to plan and perform each surgery with exceptional precision.
Cleft repair is a collaborative effort. We work closely with your child’s healthcare team—pediatricians, orthodontists, and speech therapists—to address every aspect of care. Above all, we take a compassionate, patient-first approach. From the first visit to the final follow-up, our goal is to make the journey as smooth and supportive as possible for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
