Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common craniofacial conditions in children—and they are very treatable. At Banner Children’s, our pediatric specialists provide compassionate care, expert guidance and a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs, from diagnosis through recovery.
Cleft lip is a separation or gap in the upper lip. Cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. A baby can have:
These conditions form early in pregnancy, between the 5th and 9th week of development, when the sides of the lip or palate don’t fully come together. They may be found during a prenatal ultrasound or immediately after birth.
Many cases of cleft lip are diagnosed before birth, often as early as 14 weeks into pregnancy using ultrasound. A cleft palate is harder to detect prenatally but is usually diagnosed at birth.
Learning your baby has a cleft can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through next steps, and help you plan for care before and after delivery.
Feeding challenges are common in babies with a cleft palate, as they may have trouble sucking. Early feeding support helps your baby grow and thrive.
Banner Children’s offers access to lactation consultants and feeding specialists who will help you learn feeding techniques tailored to your baby. Together, we’ll create a feeding plan that works best for your family.
Children with cleft palate may be at higher risk for ear infections or fluid buildup behind the eardrum, which can affect hearing. Our care team will monitor your child’s hearing with regular assessments and provide treatment if needed.
Surgery is the most common treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate. Our surgeons will walk you through what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Our speech-language pathologists will begin speech evaluations around 18 to 24 months to help guide future treatment.
Some children may need additional surgeries or therapies as they grow. Common procedures include:
Your care team will build a personalized plan based on your child’s growth and development.
If your child has jaw misalignment or bite issues, they may benefit from orthognathic surgery during the teenage years. This procedure repositions the upper and lower jaws to improve alignment and appearance.
After major surgical milestones are complete, your child will continue to receive routine checkups:
Learn more about corrective jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) for cleft palate and cleft lip.
With early intervention and ongoing care, most children with cleft lip and cleft palate go on to lead healthy, full lives. Our team at Banner Children’s is here for your family - from infancy through adolescence and beyond - offering expert support every step of the way.
Connect with our pediatric craniofacial team to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help.
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