Posted on 5/15/2025 by Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery
A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the tissues don't fully join during pregnancy. This opening can affect a child's ability to eat, speak, and hear properly. Although it may seem daunting, there are many options available to repair a cleft palate and help your child thrive.
Surgical Repair
The most common treatment for a cleft palate is surgery. This typically involves closing the opening in the roof of the mouth with stitches or flaps of tissue. The timing of surgery depends on the severity of the cleft and the overall health of the child. In most cases, surgery is performed between 6 and 18 months of age.
Many types of cleft palate surgeries exist, and your child's surgeon will recommend the best option based on their individual needs. Some common procedures include:
- Palatoplasty: This surgery closes the opening in the soft palate, the back part of the roof of the mouth.
- Staphylorrhaphy: This surgery closes the opening in the hard palate, the front part of the roof of the mouth.
- Pharyngeal flap surgery: This surgery uses tissue from the back of the throat to close a large opening in the palate.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
While surgery is the most common treatment for cleft palate, there are also non-surgical options available. These options may be used in conjunction with surgery or on their own, depending on the individual case.
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help children with cleft palates learn to speak clearly and correctly.
- Hearing aids: Children with cleft palates may be more likely to have ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss. Hearing aids can help children hear better and develop language skills.
- Orthodontics: Braces or other orthodontic appliances may be used to help align the teeth and jaws after cleft palate surgery.
Importance of Oral Care
Whether your child has had surgery or not, proper oral care is essential for maintaining good oral health. This includes:
- Brushing and flossing regularly: This helps remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Visiting the dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups are important for monitoring your child's oral health and detecting any problems early on.
Restoration Dentistry
As your child grows older, they may need additional dental care to address any remaining issues caused by the cleft palate. This may include:
- Dental implants: Implants can replace missing teeth and improve the function and appearance of the mouth.
- Crowns and bridges: Crowns and bridges can be used to restore damaged teeth or fill in gaps in the teeth.
Working with a Cleft Palate Team
Cleft palate repair is a complex process that requires a team approach. This team may include:
- Oral surgeons: These surgeons specialize in performing cleft palate surgeries.
- Pediatricians: Pediatricians provide general medical care for children with cleft palates.
- Speech therapists: Speech therapists help children with cleft palates develop proper speech patterns.
- Audiologists: Audiologists assess and treat hearing problems in children with cleft palates.
- Dentists: Dentists provide oral care for children with cleft palates.
Working with a team of experts can help ensure that your child receives the best possible care and has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Dental Implants Boise & Meridian | Contact Treasure Valley OFS We are dedicated to providing the highest quality surgical care in a comfortable, inviting, & safe environment. Contact Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery today! Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery, 1000 North Curtis Road, Suite 103, Boise, ID 83706-1337 ~ (208) 343-0909 ~ tvofs.com ~ 6/14/2025 ~ Page Phrases: dental implants Boise ID ~
A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the tissues don't fully join during pregnancy. This opening can affect a child's ability to eat, speak, and hear properly. Although it may seem daunting, there are many options available to repair a cleft palate and help your child thrive.