Cleft of Lip and Palate

A cleft palate is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the tissue doesn't fuse together during development in the womb. A cleft palate often includes a split (cleft) in the upper lip (cleft lip) but can occur without affecting the lip.

It is, hence, a congenital disorder which can be diagnosed at birth.

Surgical treatment is the first step, follows by Speech and Language therapy to reduce compensatory movements and/or misarticulations caused by the cleft of lip and palate.

Hypernasality is one of the most common symptoms of Cleft palate and may persist even after successful surgery. Speech Therapy can help in resolving these issues as well.