Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
 Cleft lip and cleft palate are a few of the many facial deformities that many around the world suffer with. These malformations are fixable, and we have the experience and training to help correct them. We enjoy offering individuals with cleft lip and cleft palate treatment. It allows us to help them find their smiles and show others its value. Reach us here at Neil Starr, DDS, PC to learn more.
What are Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?
A cleft is a gap formed in the upper lip or the palate. It is a deformity that occurs during the early stages of pregnancy. Lip formation happens during the 4th to 7th weeks of pregnancy. The body, tissues, and cells of a baby form from the sides towards the center to connect. If the joining of tissues that forms facial features such as the lips and palate are incomplete, this will result in a cleft lip or palate. Cleft lip and cleft palate can happen on one or both sides of the mouth. Thus, a baby can have a cleft lip without a cleft palate, a cleft palate without a cleft lip or the baby can have both. The development of cleft lip and cleft palate occurs separately, meaning the occurrence is independent of one another. A cleft lip and cleft palate happen in one baby out of every 700 born, making it a relatively common birth defect. Cleft lip and cleft palate is more common in boys than girls and is more prominent with children from the Asian, Latino, and Native American origins.
What Causes Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?
The cause of these conditions is unknown even after all these years. One common belief is that it comes from a mixture of genes and environmental factors. If a relative or family member was born having a cleft lip and cleft palate, then there is a higher possibility of developing this condition, as compared to others with no family history. Also, when the mother is taking harmful medications, such as anti-seizure medications, during her pregnancy, this can be a factor and contribute to the increased risk of developing the irregularity in the child. In this era of technological advancement, a baby can be diagnosed with a cleft lip and cleft palate before birth through a prenatal ultrasound. To confirm further or rule out this diagnosis, a few diagnostic tests will be done.
Treatment of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Dr. Starr of Neil Starr, DDS, PC has brought back so many smiles of cleft patients. He is a well-known and respected prosthodontist, with over 40 years of experience in dental reconstruction, restoration, and cosmetics. We value the smiles of all our patients and hope to see more in the world. We believe that nobody has the right to take away your smile, not even a cleft issue. Give us a chance to make you realize how bright your smile is and help you achieve it. Call us now at (202) 293-7177 to know more about us and the procedures we offer.
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