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Cleft Palate Repair

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cleft lip and palate las vegasAlong with the common problem of a cleft lip, there is also something called the cleft palate. This can form in the same way as the cleft lip – in which there is not enough tissue present in a developing baby, so the palate does not close together properly. Unlike the cosmetic problems associated with a cleft lip, there are other, more serious problems associated with cleft palate. This article will explain those, and how to repair this issue.

What is a cleft palate?

Unlike a cleft lip, a cleft palate is an opening inside the mouth. This occurs on the roof of the mouth – either in the soft palate or the hard palate. The soft palate is the soft back portion of the roof of the mouth, while the hard palate is the bony portion in the front of the mouth.

Are cleft lip and cleft palate related conditions?

Cleft palate and cleft lip are separate conditions. This is due to the fact that the lip and the palate develop separately. Because of this, it is possible to have a cleft lip without a cleft palate, a cleft palate without a cleft lip, or both occurring at the same time.

How is this condition repaired?

Repair of a cleft palate typically requires multiple surgeries over the course of the child’s early to adolescent years. It may take several reconstructions over 18 years to completely correct the problem. The first surgery is performed when the baby is about 6 to 12 months old. In this surgery, a functional palate is created, which reduces the chance that fluid will develop in the middle ears, and also aids the proper development of teeth and facial bones.

Because a cleft palate is essentially a condition in which the bones are missing, children with this condition may need a bone graft when they are about 8 years old to fill in their upper gum lines. This is because without those missing bones, the jaw may not be able to support permanent teeth and may also be very unstable.

Another problem associated with cleft palate is a speech impediment. Because of this, some children may require a further surgery to help improve their speech. Speech is very difficult when part of the palate is missing. Braces may also be needed to help improve the appearance of your teeth.

This condition is something that is difficult for children all throughout their lives. It not only causes cosmetic issues, but it harms the ability to speak the ability to have proper bone structure, and a variety of other things. Luckily, modern medicine has gained advancements in reconstructive surgery that can improve quality of life for children with this issue. Cleft lip and palate repair in Las Vegas is a great option for improving your overall quality of life and creating that healthy feel you need to in order to feel good about yourself. Not only will this surgery correct cosmetic issues, but it will improve the ability to digest food and speak properly. Talk to your doctor today about this surgery for you or your child.

To learn more about cleft palates, click here.

 

Understanding Cleft Lips

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cleft lip and palate repair in las vegasCleft lip is a common problem in infants. While it is an unfortunate condition cosmetically, there are other complications that may result from a cleft lip. This article will help to explain what they are, and what you can do about them.

What is a cleft lip?

A cleft lip is a facial malformation that may occur very early in pregnancy, while the baby is still developing inside the mother. This comes when there is not enough tissue in the mouth or lip area, and the tissue that is available does not join together properly. This is a separation or physical split of the two sides of the upper lip and appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. It is dangerous, because in some cause this separation can extend beyond the base of the nose, and it includes the bones of the upper jaw or the gums. This can impair breathing, or it can impair proper digestion and mastication of food.

What causes this condition?

Unfortunately, in most cases, the cause of this condition is unknown. They also cannot be prevented while the child is in the womb. It may be even impossible to detect it until the baby is actually born. Most scientist have observed and believe that clefts are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There also appears to be a greater chance of contracting this condition if someone else in the family has had it previously.

What can be done to treat this condition?

There are a number of different types of things to be done in order to treat this type of condition. Due to the medical and other health problems that can possible result from this malformation, it is important to get it treated as quickly as possible. Plastic surgeons can perform cleft lip and palate repair in Las Vegas, and other doctors can as well. Having this procedure performed by a plastic surgeon is often the best option, because they are not only trained in surgical procedures, but are also trained to make things look the best cosmetically as they can. It is important to find the best doctor to help with this condition.

Other options may need to include orthodontists to straighten or reposition teeth (because they will not be in their proper places due to the displacement of the lip), and an audiologist or speech therapist to help the child with any speech impediments that result from this.

This is a difficult condition to have happen to your child, but there are steps that can be taken that can improve their quality of life. If your child has this condition, contact a doctor and see if they may be able to help you. You want to ensure that your child can have as normal of a life as possible, and fixing this malady with surgery and other techniques is the best thing you can do for them.

To learn more about this condition, click here.