Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital anomalies, affecting thousands of newborns worldwide each year. These conditions occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy, leading to openings or splits in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate). While these conditions can be distressing for parents, modern medical advancements offer effective treatments that can significantly improve the quality of life for affected children.

What Are Cleft Lip and Palate?

A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of one or two sides of the upper lip, which can extend beyond the base of the nose and include the bones of the upper jaw and/or gum. A cleft palate, on the other hand, is an opening in the roof of the mouth where the two sides of the palate did not join together as they should have during fetal development. These conditions can occur separately or together, with cleft lip and palate being the most common combination.

Causes and Diagnosis

The exact cause of cleft lip and palate is not always clear, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors may include a family history of clefts, exposure to certain substances during pregnancy, and other health conditions. Diagnosis often occurs at birth, but clefts can sometimes be detected through prenatal ultrasound.

Treatment and Care

Treatment for cleft lip and palate typically involves surgery, which is usually performed within the first year of life. Multiple surgeries may be required as the child grows to ensure proper function and appearance. In addition to surgery, children with clefts most often need orthodontic care, speech therapy, and other supportive treatments to address feeding, hearing, and speech difficulties.

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH), the Cleft and Craniofacial Program offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating these conditions. The program brings together experts from various specialties, including craniofacial surgery, orthodontics, speech-language pathology, and more, to provide personalized care for each child. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of the child’s health and development are addressed.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Matza and his colleagues are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to achieve the best patient outcomes. Dr. Matza is also one of the distinguished members of the JDCH team, and he also serves at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Dr. Matza is known for his work at his Dental and Orthodontics practice in Boca Raton, Florida, where he specializes in treating both children and adults with a variety of orthodontic needs, including cleft lip and palate.

While cleft lip and palate can present significant challenges, the coordinated efforts of Dr. Matza’s specialized medical teams help in healing. With early intervention and comprehensive care, children with these conditions can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. For more information, visit our socials or give us a call at 561. 368. 3480.