Parents may feel worried when their baby is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. These conditions are facial or oral malformations that develop very early in the womb. But, with early diagnosis and the right treatment, the children can grow up to lead a healthy life with minimal impact. At Aster CMI Hospital, we are here to walk with you through every step of the journey. Our experts believe that they can make your child’s future bright with compassionate care and advanced treatment.
What Causes Cleft lip and palate?
The exact causes of cleft lip and palate are unknown. But researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role. Some of the potential causes include:
- A family history of clefts or certain inherited genes
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, or the use of certain medications during pregnancy
- Lack of proper nutrients during pregnancy
Understanding the conditions can help in early prevention. But it is important to know that no one is ever at fault when these conditions occur.
Diagnosis of cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and palate can be diagnosed during pregnancy or immediately after birth. The diagnosis procedures include:
- Prenatal ultrasound: It can sometimes detect a cleft lip as early as 13-14 weeks of pregnancy. A cleft palate may be harder to see using an ultrasound.
- Physical examination at birth: Most clefts are visible at birth. The experts will identify the condition right away.
- Additional tests: If the cleft is mild or not immediately obvious, further imaging or an examination is required to assess the severity.
Symptoms you should watch for cleft lip and palate
The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the cleft. Some of the common ones include:
- Trouble with Feeding
- Delayed Speech or Nasal Sounding Voice
- Frequent Ear Infections or Hearing Issues
- Dental Problems or Missing Teeth
- Changes in Facial Appearance or Asymmetry
Cleft lip and palate treatment options at Aster CMI Hospital
At Aster CMI Hospital, we offer:
- Surgical Cleft Lip Repair: To close the gap in the upper lip. It is done between 3 to 6 months of age.
- Surgical Cleft Palate Repair: To close the opening in the roof of the mouth. It is done between 9 to 18 months of age.
- Alveolary Bone Grafting: To add bone to the gum ridge. It is done at the age of 7 to 9 years.
- Maxillary Advancement by Osteotomy / Distraction Osteogenesis: To correct the upper jaw positioning if there are issues in jaw alignment.
- Cleft Rhinoplasty: To improve the shape of the nose if the cleft has caused nasal deformities.
- Nasoalveolar Moulding (NAM): To reshape the gums, upper lip, and nostrils with a plastic plate before cleft lip and palate surgery.
Each of these treatments plays a role in ensuring your children have the best chance of normal development. Our experts also offer ongoing speech therapy, dental care, and hearing therapy as the child grows.
What is the Difference Between Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?
A Cleft lip happens if the tissue making up the upper lip doesn't join completely before birth, leaving an opening. It can vary from a smaller notch to a larger separation. A cleft palate happens if the tissue that makes up the palate doesn't join together completely. Some children are born with only one of these conditions. While others may have both.
Why Trust Aster CMI Hospital for Cleft Lip and Palate Care?
We understand that discovering your child with a cleft lip and palate can be overwhelming. That’s why our experts offer compassionate patient-centred care. We prepare a customised treatment plan that supports your child through every stage of development. Our experts believe in providing the best care for the children in a warm, supportive environment. From diagnosis to recovery, our experts provide the best possible care for the children. With our commitment to excellence, you can trust us to guide you and your children every step of the way.
Heartfelt support for a new beginning
At Aster CMI Hospital, we believe that emotions come with a cleft lip and palate diagnosis. But you are not alone, these conditions are treatable. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
If you're looking for cleft lip and palate care for your child, don't wait. Reach out to our experts to let’s help your child live a happy and healthy life.
