A similar defect in the roof of the mouth is called a cleft palate. Since the lip and palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to be born with a cleft lip, palate or both. Cleft defects occur in about one out of every 800 babies.

Children born with either or both of these conditions usually need the skills of several professionals to manage the problems associated with the defect such as feeding, speech, hearing and psychological development. In most cases, surgery is recommended. When surgery is done by an experienced, qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon such as Dr. Greenberg, the results can be quite positive.

Cleft lip surgery is usually done when the child is about 10 weeks old. The goal of the surgery is to close the separation, restore muscle function and provide a normal shape to the mouth. The nostril deformity may be improved as a result of the procedure or may require a subsequent surgery.

Repairing a cleft soft palate requires more extensive surgery and is usually done when the child is between 9 and 18 months old, when he/she is bigger and better able to tolerate the procedure. The goal of the surgery is to rebuild the soft palate so that the muscles are joined to provide enough length to enable the child to learn to eat and speak properly.

The cleft hard palate is generally repaired between ages 8 and 12 when the cuspid teeth begin to develop. The procedure involves placement of bone from the hip into the bony defect, and closure of the communication from the nose to the gum tissue in three layers. It may also be performed in teenagers and adults as an individual procedure or combined with corrective jaw surgery.

Dr. Greenberg has extensive cleft palate experience and a special interest in the field as a member of the Cleft Palate Team at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He is also a member in good standing of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.

Dr. Greenberg provides obturator prosthesis fabrication for inpatient babies in neonatology units at the Mt. Sinai Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center and on an outpatient basis as well. He can also fabricate speech bulb appliances for speech therapy when soft palate repair is delayed or inadequate.

Medical and surgical advances are helping children born with cleft defects lead normal, healthy, happy lives. For more information and support you can visit the following websites: www.cleft.org or www.widesmiles.org.