2016 S Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60616
Cleft palate and cleft lip affect about 7,000 newborn babies in the United States each year.
Surgery can correct the functional and cosmetic defects of the disorder and improve your child's ability to speak and smile with confidence.
What else makes this procedure life-changing?
Correcting a cleft lip or palate can improve your child's ability to eat and receive the proper nutrients.
The scars remaining after surgery are usually discreet, suit the natural contours of the face, and fade over time.
Addressing a cleft lip or palate early and receiving the support of a dentist can usually prevent future speech problems and issues with tooth development.
Do I need to worry about other developmental issues?
According to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital
Your surgeon will place your child under general anesthesia to ease him or her into a deep sleep.
The surgeon will carefully trim excess tissue and suture it back together during the one to two hour surgery.
Most patients receive dissolvable stitches and are left with a small visible scar, which should fade over time.
Your child will stay in the hospital for up to a week after surgery and should reach full recovery within 4 weeks.
If your child has a cleft palate, they may need more than one surgery to fully resolve the defect.
The number of surgeries needed will depend on how serious the defect was. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can work with plastic surgeons and orthodontists to ensure healthy teeth development and highly cosmetic results.
No surgery is without risks. However, a study performed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found a very low complication rate of about 3.1 percent in patients who received cleft lip and nasal repair within approximately one month of birth.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon plays an important role in this treatment. By helping to restore the jaw and face to their normal function and appearance, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help your child on their journey to improved speech, hearing, and confidence.
Do not wait to speak to a surgeon. Early intervention can help your child develop normal speech habits, healthy nutrition, and begin to build a strong sense of self-confidence for lifetime happiness. Contact a doctor today to find out more about cleft lip and palate surgery.
At DENTArt Chicago, we combine our extensive training, state-of-the-art techniques, and a patient-centered approach to dentistry to make your visit as comfortable and effective as possible. Our dentists are members of many important dental organizations, including:
Ready to love the look and feel of your smile? Schedule an exam by contacting us online or calling us at (312) 929-4783.
You’re one step closer to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted!
2016 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday
8:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday
Closed
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.