Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common birth defects in the United States. It is estimated that one of every 600 newborns is affected by cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Oral surgery can help repair these conditions.

Read our Patient Testimonials for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair below!

A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip. When the separation includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum, our team may be brought in for assistance.

A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse as the baby was developing in the uterus. Cleft palate can occur on one side (unilateral cleft palate) or on both sides (bilateral cleft palate). Because the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for the child to have a cleft palate with or without an accompanying cleft lip.

Cleft palate is a congenital defect, or birth defect, which occurs early in pregnancy. The causes of a majority of cleft palates appear to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

The surgery to close a cleft palate is usually completed within the first year of life so that the child’s speech normally develops. Our office will coordinate treatment with the oral or plastic surgeon and with the speech pathologist for treatment.

Our practice creates the prosthetic device used to temporarily close the palate so the baby can feed and grow until surgery. We may also make a dental bridge to replace missing teeth or create special appliances called “speech bulbs” or “palatal lifts” to help close the nose from the mouth enabling speech to sound more normal.

For more information about Cleft Lip and Palate or to schedule a consult with Dr. Ruggiero, please use our Appointment form or call our Columbia office at Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950.

Patient Reviews: Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your cleft lip and palate treatment experiences with Crescent Prosthodontics. Call our office if you would like more information: Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950.



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The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be used to communicate private health information.

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