Cleft Lip Treatment in Buffalo, NY
Was your child born with a cleft lip or palate? You are probably searching for ways to help improve their quality of life as they grow. Fortunately, Orthodontists Associates of WNY have helped thousands of children and adults regain their self-esteem and enhance the form and function of their smile, and we can help you too! With over 60 years of combined experience, we understand the challenges families face when their loved one is born with a craniofacial deformity. Learn how cleft lip treatment can help.
Due to COVID-19, we understand that not everyone is ready to come to our office just yet. While our offices have fully reopened and we are treating all patients, we understand people are understandably apprehensive about traveling. That’s why we also offer virtual consultations for existing patients to get the same great treatment they’re used to in the comfort of your own home. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation. Let us help you get the information you need about cleft lip treatment to make an informed decision about your health, and the health of your loved ones. We have five convenient locations throughout Western New York and welcome the opportunity to serve you.
What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
Cleft lips and cleft palates are birth defects. They are facial and oral malformations. The condition develops in utero during an extremely early part of the pregnancy. A cleft signifies that there is not enough tissue in the mouth or around the lip. Therefore, the areas do not join together as they should.
Cleft lips and palates can be an extremely serious condition. They can affect only one side of the lip and palate or both sides. A cleft palate is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. It occurs in around 1 of every 700 births.
Cleft lip is something that is quite obvious at birth. That makes diagnosing a cleft lip and palate easier than other types of birth defects. Often, it can even be diagnosed through ultrasound before the baby is born. This is important because there are times when a cleft lip and palate may be indicators of other abnormalities. The dedicated Buffalo orthodontists at Orthodontists Associates of WNY have over 60 years of combined experience providing cleft lip treatment throughout Western New York.
Download Our FREE Orthodontic Care Guide
How Craniofacial Orthodontics Can Help
Generally, cleft lip treatment requires surgical correction. Craniofacial orthodontists specialize in the treatment of this condition. However, it can be rather challenging to estimate the number of surgeries that could be required to correct it. Naturally, treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. The optimal time for cleft lip treatment is between three and six months of age.
The first surgery is designed to repair the palate. The goal of this surgery is to minimize the likelihood of liquids to develop in the ears. This surgery will also help the child’s jaws and teeth grow into the right places. Often, children undergo another surgery for cleft lip and palate when they are around 8 years old. The goal of this surgery is to perform a bone graft (although this isn’t always needed). The bone graft supports the permanent teeth and may also be used to fill in the upper gums.
Cleft Lip Treatment Complications
Thankfully, when cleft lip treatment is performed using craniofacial orthodontics at an early enough age, more often than not, we can achieve a normal appearance, giving the patient normal speech patterns and the ability to eat without issues. When children with cleft lips and cleft palates are not treated, serious complications can occur including:
- Difficulty feeding as babies
- Difficulty eating as they get older
- Ear infections as a result of fluid build-up
- Hearing loss
- Future dental problems
- Speech difficulties
- Low self-esteem
If your child is suffering from a cleft lip, cleft palate, or other birth defect that may benefit from craniofacial orthodontics, please contact us today to arrange a free consultation to learn more about cleft lip treatment.
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer cleft lip treatment throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, New York. If you are considering craniofacial orthodontic care for yourself or a loved one, please contact one of our 5 convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation.
Our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
Follow us on Facebook for our latest COVID-19 updates and oral health tips!
