cleft lip and palate - WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Help Your Child Achieve a Healthy Start
What is a Cleft Lip or Palate?
A cleft lip and cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the lip or mouth do not properly form during pregnancy. As a baby develops during pregnancy, the formation of the lip and roof of the mouth occurs. When this formation does not join completely, then the baby will be left with an opening in either the lip, upper palate or both. It is often recommended that parents seek to have their children treated within the first year of life. For children who are affected by a cleft lip and palate, we are able to repair the areas and get your child back to a healthy and happy start in life.
Cleft Lip and Palate Concerns
- Trouble feeding
- Speaking clarity
- Ear infection
- Hearing problems
- Tooth development problems
How We Treat Your Children
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will meet with you and your child to repair the cleft lip or palate in the most gentle, safe and natural-looking manner. We are on staff at several local hospitals and will work with your doctor to ensure that your child receives nothing but the best care. Our surgery of a cleft lip closes the separation and restores muscle function as well as bringing a normal shape back to the mouth. For cleft palate surgery, we will place a bone sample into the defect to allow for proper closure from the bone and soft tissues. Some of the surgical options may include a palatoplasty, jaw surgery and flap surgery.
Restoring Natural-Looking Aesthetics
Applying our medical and surgical expertise and an artistic eye, we pay particular attention to your child’s overall appearance as well, not just the functional concerns. We strive to repair the cleft lip and palate in a functional and aesthetic manner so that the lip and face look natural and maintain that natural appearance as they age. Over time, we encourage you to follow up with your doctor and our team to ensure that as your child gets older, their development and facial growth is natural. What can you do today? Take the first step and discover if we’re the right team to help you and your child reach a healthy future. Give us a call and set up a consultation today!
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