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What and Why Cleft & Palate?

A cleft lip or cleft palate is a birth defect that causes one or both of the upper and lower lips to be deformed. The condition can lead to numerous problems for a child, including dental problems, feeding difficulties, and difficulty speaking. While a cleft can be a life-threatening medical condition, it does not necessarily mean that the patient cannot lead a normal life.

Treatment for Cleft Lip & Palate

Treatment for cleft lip and palate begins at infancy and may continue until the child reaches adulthood. The goal is to have all of the procedures performed by the child’s skeletal maturity. Some children may require extended orthodontic treatment. Other children will need dental implants or bridges. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients may also need to undergo a hearing test. This procedure often requires more than one visit. While it is essential to understand that the condition has many causes, it is largely preventable.

Surgical repair is often necessary for the correct alignment of the lip. The procedure is usually performed at 12 weeks of age. The earlier the surgery is performed, the less visible the resulting scar. In some cases, a preliminary “lip adhesion” procedure may be required. This treatment will remodel the alveolar arch and decrease tension for definitive surgery. This procedure is typically performed after the child has grown enough to gain weight and reach a reasonable hematocrit level.

Affects of cleft lip and palate

While cleft lip and palate may affect a baby’s face, it is often caused by a failure of development. In addition to the lip, clefts can also affect the jaw and uvula. Many treatments are available to correct this condition, but the best treatment is to find the right one for the child. This procedure is often life-changing, and it will allow the child to speak effectively. Affected babies will need extensive surgery to repair the defect, but if surgery is necessary, the baby will not require major reconstructive procedures.

Cost of Treatment(Approximate)

While cleft lip and palate surgery is a life-changing procedure for a child, the cost can be expensive. The average lifetime cost of a cleft patient can reach INR 500,000 to 10,00,000 more, depending on the patient’s condition. Surgeons may need additional surgeries, and some children may need five or more surgeries. Some states will provide special programs for cleft lip and palate surgeries for kids

Other Research and Diagnosis

If a child is diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate, the surgeon will apply lip tape to the aperture. The surgery will leave a narrow opening on the upper lip and may extend into the upper gum. An aperture that is too wide will require palatal devices. Depending on the extent of the aperture, The patient may need a palatal device as well. The surgeon may surgically repair a cleft with a protruding premaxilla through a palatal device.

Surgical techniques may be necessary for a child with a cleft lip or a cleft palate. In some cases, the cleft lip may be repaired using a distraction method. It involves a distraction process that holds the jaw until the jaw grows into the correct position. This type of treatment allows the child to eat and speak normally and will improve their self-esteem. It also helps to prevent the child from chewing or eating while they are eating.

The surgical procedure may involve the use of anesthesia. During the procedure, the child may experience swelling around the mouth and eyes. However, this swelling will fade over time. The scars will fade over the next few weeks. Additionally, A palatal device is another option for a cleft lip. A palatal device is not an alternative for surgery. It is a common surgical technique for repairing a cleft lip.