Cleft Lip and Palate
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a thorough understanding of oral and facial anatomy and function, as well as reconstructive skills to restore function and aesthetics. It is this unique blend of highly specialized skills and the multidisciplinary team approach at Mount Sinai that draws parents to choose us for their children’s cleft lip and palate care.
Cleft lip and palate can be diagnosed prenatally via a high resolution ultra sound, or at the time of birth. Once the diagnosis is made, the parents of the child will be informed by one of the members of the Mount Sinai Cleft Palate team about the various issues related to cleft lip and palate and review the coordinated sequential treatment the child will require in the future. When treating children with clefts it is always beneficial to use a multidisciplinary – or team - approach to address the many special needs these children. The Mount Sinai cleft palate team is comprised of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, genetics experts, pediatricians, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, family counselors, nutritionists, neonatologists, and speech pathologists.
Causes of Cleft Lip and Palate
The etiology of clefts in the neonate is multifactorial; it can be due to a genetic defect, a congenital craniofacial syndrome, environmental factors, poor prenatal care, or a spontaneous occurrence. These children can have other anatomic anomalies that may need to be addressed by members of the Mount Sinai cleft team.
Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment
The etiology of clefts in the neonate is multifactorial; it can be due to a genetic defect, a congenital craniofacial syndrome, environmental factors, poor prenatal care, or a spontaneous occurrence. These children can have other anatomic anomalies that may need to be addressed by members of the Mount Sinai cleft team.
- Cleft lip repair
- Cleft palate repair
- Alveolar cleft repair
- Orthognathic surgery
- Rhinoplasty
The surgical repairs are listed in order of occurrence; the timing of each procedure is determined by growth of the child and surgeon’s decision making regarding appropriate timing of the surgery.
Each stage of surgery has its own challenges and post-operative follow up protocols. The oral and maxillofacial surgical team at Mount Sinai will guide the patients and their families through the many steps and surgeries to ensure the best overall care thus leading to the best outcome.