A cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that occur when the tissues of the lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate) do not fuse properly during early pregnancy. This results in an opening or split that can affect appearance, speech, feeding, and overall oral function.

Cleft conditions vary in severity and may involve only the lip, only the palate, or both. They often require a multidisciplinary approach for complete correction, involving surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, and other specialists.

Challenges Associated with Cleft Lip & Palate:

  • Difficulty feeding in infants

  • Frequent ear infections and possible hearing problems

  • Speech development issues

  • Dental problems including missing or misaligned teeth

  • Emotional and social challenges due to appearance and speech difficulties

Treatment Approach:
At 32 Pearls – Dr. Sameer Kaura’s Dental & Maxillofacial Clinic, cleft lip and palate management is tailored to each patient’s age and needs:

  1. Infancy: Special feeding techniques or appliances are used to support nutrition.

  2. Surgery for Cleft Lip: Typically performed between 3–6 months of age to restore lip form and function.

  3. Surgery for Cleft Palate: Usually performed between 9–18 months to close the palate and improve feeding and speech development.

  4. Follow-up Care: Orthodontics, speech therapy, and secondary corrective surgeries may be needed during childhood or adolescence.

Benefits of Treatment:

  • Restores normal feeding, speech, and breathing

  • Improves dental and facial development

  • Enhances appearance and self-confidence

  • Provides long-term functional and emotional well-being

Dr. Sameer Kaura and his team are experienced in treating cleft lip and palate cases with compassion, precision, and a focus on both function and aesthetics, giving children the chance to lead healthy, confident lives.