Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
Comprehensive Care for Lifelong Function and Aesthetics
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital conditions affecting the face and mouth, impacting a child’s ability to eat, speak, hear, and breathe properly.
At Calgary Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer specialized cleft lip and palate surgery to support functional development and improve facial aesthetics.
Dr. Miller Smith, a key member of the cleft and craniofacial team at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, brings extensive expertise to our practice, providing advanced surgical care for children and adults.
What Are Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip is a physical split or separation in the upper lip, while a cleft palate refers to an opening in the roof of the mouth.
These conditions occur when facial structures don’t fuse properly during fetal development. Clefts can appear individually or together and vary in severity, affecting one or both sides of the face.
Potential Complications of Cleft Lip and Palate:
- Difficulty feeding and swallowing
- Speech and language delays
- Frequent ear infections and hearing issues
- Dental problems, including misaligned teeth or missing teeth
- Challenges with facial growth and aesthetics
Surgical Treatment for Cleft Lip & Palate
Surgical intervention is typically required to correct cleft lip and palate and address the functional and aesthetic challenges associated with these conditions. Dr. Miller Smith leads our team in providing comprehensive surgical care, including:
Cleft Lip Repair
Typically performed within the first 3-6 months of life, this surgery closes the separation in the upper lip, improving both function and appearance.
Cleft Palate Repair
Conducted between 9-18 months of age, this procedure reconstructs the roof of the mouth to restore normal speech and feeding abilities.
Alveolar Bone Grafting
Performed by Dr. Miller Smith, this surgery fills the gap in the gumline (alveolus) with bone graft material to support tooth development and dental implants.
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
For older children and adults, jaw surgery corrects misalignments caused by cleft conditions, improving bite function and facial balance.
Dental Implants
Cleft patients often require implant placement to replace missing teeth near the cleft, restoring function and aesthetics.
Cleft lip and palate treatment often requires a coordinated team of specialists. As part of the Alberta Children’s Hospital cleft and craniofacial team, Dr. Miller Smith collaborates with:
- Plastic Surgeons
- Pediatricians
- Orthodontists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Audiologists
- ENT specialists
- Psychologists and social workers
This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care for every aspect of your child’s health and development.
- Expertise in Complex Cases: Dr. Miller Smith’s role at the Alberta Children’s Hospital cleft team brings specialized experience in managing complex cleft cases.
- Comprehensive Surgical Care: From initial lip and palate repairs to alveolar bone grafting and dental implants, we offer complete cleft care.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our modern surgical centers provide the latest technology and techniques for optimal results.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize compassionate, personalized care, supporting patients and families throughout their journey.
FAQs About Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
When is cleft lip and palate surgery performed?
Cleft lip repair typically occurs between 3-6 months of age, while cleft palate repair is done between 9-18 months. Additional surgeries, like alveolar bone grafting or jaw surgery, are scheduled based on developmental needs.
What is alveolar bone grafting, and why is it needed?
Alveolar bone grafting fills the gap in the upper gumline with bone, supporting the eruption of permanent teeth and allowing for dental implants if needed.
Will my child need speech therapy after cleft palate surgery?
Many children benefit from speech therapy to improve articulation and language development following cleft palate repair.
Are dental implants necessary for cleft patients?
If permanent teeth are missing due to the cleft, dental implants can restore function and aesthetics. Dr. Miller Smith provides implant placement tailored to each patient’s needs.
Is cleft lip and palate surgery covered by insurance?
Most cleft surgeries are considered medically necessary and are typically covered by insurance. Our team will assist you in navigating the coverage and claims process.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If your child has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or related craniofacial condition, trust the expertise of Dr. Miller Smith and the team at Calgary Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our comprehensive cleft lip and palate surgery services.
