Question 1

what is a cleft lip and cleft palate?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete closure: During development of the fetus the palate and upper lip start separated from each other. During development the palate and lip come together and ultimately fuse. Rarely the palate doesn't fuse leading to a space between the two sides (cleft palate) or the lip doesn't fuse (cleft lip) or both fail to fuse (cleft lip and palate).

Question 2

is it common for adults to have cleft lip and cleft palate?

Accepted Answer

Rare in the U.S.: Most children born with cleft lips or palates in the U.S. Have them repaired when they are still infants.   However, it is possible to see adults in some developing countries who never had the opportunity to have surgery as a child.  Often they are social outcasts because of their appearance.

Question 3

does a cleft lip or cleft palate cause problems for a child?

Accepted Answer

Cleft lip, palate: Cleft lip and cleft palate can cause a variety of problems depending on whether the deficiency is the lip, palate or a combination. The most immediate of problems are airway obstruction, feeding, the oral phase of swallowing and increased risk of nasal regurgitation and aspiration. There can also be issues with recurrent ear infections.

Question 4

is it possible for a cleft palate to be complete and have no cleft lip?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes it is possible and there are people with a cleft palate with no cleft lip(s).

Question 5

please help! what is the difference between a cleft palate and a cleft lip?

Accepted Answer

Lip vs palate: A cleft lip is a cleft in the lip, unilateral or bilateraly. A cleft palate is a cleft of the palate - it may be in the front, left right or bilateral. Or in the back - either of the bone of the palate of the bone and soft tissue.

Question 6

please help! what is the difference between a cleft lip and a cleft palate?

Accepted Answer

Lip vs palate: A cleft lip is a cleft in the lip, unilateral or bilateraly. A cleft palate is a cleft of the palate - it may be in the front, left right or bilateral. Or in the back - either of the bone of the palate of the bone and soft tissue.

Question 7

i need to know if there is a cure for cleft lip/cleft palate?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Surgery will close up the clefts. See an oral surgeon or a plastic surgeon for treatment discussions.

Question 8

what do you suggest if my son had a cleft lip/cleft palate repair?

Accepted Answer

Not much: If you child's cleft palate has been repaired, his team did a terrific job. Please rephrase your question if you need further info.

Question 9

can someone have a complete cleft palate and not have any cleft lip?

Accepted Answer

Cleft palate: Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur individually or as a combined birth defect.  Early surgical intervention can be done to fix either or both problems. Your local dental society or state dental association should be able to help you find a surgeon to repair the defect.

Question 10

my son had a cleft lip/cleft palate repair. how long until he recovers?

Accepted Answer

Cleft: Tissue heals in 7-10 days. Bone takes 12 weeks. Your son should be back to normal activity depending on the size of the cleft in3-4 weeks please check with the surgeon.

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Doctor answers about:

Cleft palate without cleft lip

A member asked:

What is a cleft lip and cleft palate?

A member asked:

Is it common for adults to have cleft lip and cleft palate?

A member asked:

Does a cleft lip or cleft palate cause problems for a child?

A member asked:

Is it possible for a cleft palate to be complete and have no cleft lip?

A member asked:

Please help! what is the difference between a cleft palate and a cleft lip?

A member asked:

Please help! what is the difference between a cleft lip and a cleft palate?

A member asked:

I need to know if there is a cure for cleft lip/cleft palate?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my son had a cleft lip/cleft palate repair?

A member asked:

Can someone have a complete cleft palate and not have any cleft lip?

A member asked:

My son had a cleft lip/cleft palate repair. how long until he recovers?

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