A fissure in the midline of the palate due to failure of the two sides to fuse in embryonic development. Only part of the palate may be affected, or the cleft may extend the full length and be associated with a cleft in the upper lip.
A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth (palate) and/or the lip. It is found in varying degrees of severity in about one in 700 children. Modern plastic surgery can greatly improve the functioning of lips and palate and the appearance of the baby. Further cosmetic surgery later may not be necessary. The parent of the child who has cleft lip and/or palate will be given detailed advice specific to his or her case. In general the team of specialists involved are the paediatrician, plastic surgeon, dentist or orthodontic specialist, and speech therapist.
A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth forming a communicating passageway between mouth and nasal cavities. It may be unilateral or bilateral and complete or incomplete.
A birth defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the upper part of the mouth, resulting in an improper connection between the nasal passages and the oral cavity.
Cleft palate and harelip result from a congenital failure of the two halves of the face to fuse together in the middle. A baby can be born with one or both of these conditions. When the defects are severe, they can hinder proper feeding, causing food to regurgitate through the nose rather than being swallowed. Typically, harelip is surgically repaired before the baby reaches three months of age or reaches a weight of 10 pounds, whichever comes first. Cleft palate repair is typically done before the child starts speaking, typically between one and a year and a half old.