Cleft lip and cleft palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate occur when an unborn baby's face and mouth are developing and the upper lip and palate don't close fully. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects.
Cleft lip and cleft palate - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth don't form properly. In the United States, about 1 in 1,031 babies is born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate. In the United States, about 1 in 1,563 babies is born with cleft palate alone.
Cleft lip (orofacial cleft) is a medical condition where the upper lip has an opening from the perimeter of the mouth, that may extend into the nose. [1] The opening may be on one side, both sides, or in the middle. [1] Cleft palate is an associated condition where the palate (the roof of the mouth) has an opening into the nose. [1] The term orofacial cleft refers to either condition or to ...
Surgery to repair the cleft lip and/or palate is the most well-known treatment, but this is only a part of the journey. Cleft is best treated with Comprehensive Cleft Care which encompasses all the medical and psychosocial supports a child will need to achieve good health and thrive in their community.
What are cleft lips and palates? A cleft occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during fetal development. Clefts can involve the lip and/or the roof of the mouth, which is made up of both hard and soft palate. Around the world, many children with clefts will never receive the reconstructive surgery they need.