How do we classify clefts?

Cleft lip is classified according to its location and severity:
  1. Unilateral (on one side of the lip). The unilateral cleft may cause the nostril on that side to be tilted and lower than the other nostril.
  2. Bilateral (on two sides of the lip). …
  3. Complete (extends to the nose)
  4. Incomplete (does not extend to the nose)

Are there different types of cleft lip?

Types of cleft lip

Incomplete unilateral cleft lip: An opening on one side of the lip that does not extend into the nose. Complete unilateral cleft lip: An opening on one side of the lip that extends up into the nose and typically involves the gum ridge and palate.

What is a Class III cleft lip and palate?

Children born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are usually characterized by a Class III malocclusion, which is primarily the result of maxillary deficiency. Maxillary deficiency in growing subjects, when left untreated, can lead to severe functional, aesthetic, breathing and psychological problems [1,2,3,4,5,6].

What is the most common type of cleft lip?

The most common cleft pattern in cleft lip was left cleft lip, wherein left complete cleft lip (L123.

What is the main cause of cleft palate?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and other factors, such as things the mother comes in contact with in her environment, or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medications she uses during pregnancy.

What is Pierre Robin sequence syndrome?

Pierre Robin sequence is also known as Pierre Robin syndrome or Pierre Robin malformation. It is a rare congenital birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. Cleft palate is also commonly present in children with Pierre Robin sequence.

What is cleft lip surgery called?

Cleft Lip Repair

A plastic surgeon will repair the baby’s cleft lip first, usually when the baby is about 3 months old. This is done with a surgery called cheiloplasty (KY-lo-plass-tee). It’s done in the hospital while the baby is under general anesthesia.

Why is cleft palate common in females?

Behavioural factors such as maternal smoking or drug use leads to an increased incidence of cleft lip and palate (not the cleft palate); this may be due to the fact that women living in rural areas have less access to insurance, health services and medical care.

What is the difference between primary and secondary palate?

The primary palate is the triangular area of the hard palate anterior to the incisive foramen and includes a portion of the alveolar ridge. The secondary palate consists of the remaining hard palate and all of the soft palate.

Which form of Clefting is most severe?

The most severe form involves the entire secondary palate, seen as a gap in the palate from the tip of the uvula to the incisive foramen. This is the most overt of the incomplete palate clefts.

What does a submucous cleft look like?

In many cases, the submucous cleft can be seen by looking in the mouth. The uvula may be small, square or bifid (split down the middle). The soft palate may appear to be thin or bluish in color. When the child says “ah,” the velum may seem to go up in the shape of a tent.

What is the mildest form of cleft palate?

The cleft may vary from involvement of only the soft palate to a complete fissure of the soft and hard palates, the alveolar process of the maxilla, and the lip. The mildest form is a bifid uvula.

Is cleft lip a disability?

FACT: A cleft is not a ‘disability’. It may affect a child in ways that mean they need extra help, but most children with a cleft are not affected by any other condition and are capable of doing just as well at school as any other child.

What are three characteristics of submucous cleft palate?

An SMCP can include any, or all, of the following signs: A very wide or split (bifid) uvula. Translucency of the tissue along the middle of the soft palate. A notch in the back of the hard palate.

What is soft palate cleft?

A cleft palate (PAL-it) is when a baby is born with an opening (a cleft) in the roof of the mouth. This leaves a hole between the nose and the mouth. The opening can: just be in the back of the palate (the soft palate)

What is overt cleft palate?

An overt palatal cleft is visibly open and can be observed on intraoral inspection. In a submucous cleft palate (SMCP), oral mucosa is intact, but the underlying velar musculature has failed to attach at midline. The cleft is not visibly open and often is not obvious on intraoral inspection.

How do you assess cleft lip and palate?

All new patients are evaluated thoroughly by the clinical geneticist who is also a Pediatrician. Growth and development are also evaluated. If there are any issues other than the cleft lip/palate then further testing is recommended. This may include blood tests, X-rays, special tests, or referrals to other specialists.

What is a unilateral cleft lip and palate?

Unilateral cleft lip and palate is a defect involving the lip, nose and maxilla. These structures are inter-related, and simultaneous early correction of all the aspects of the defect is necessary to obtain a satisfactory result that will be maintained with growth.

What muscles are affected by cleft palate?

The tensor and levator veli palatini muscles are both associated with the eustachian tube, and are equally affected in the cleft palate anomaly.

What are the complications of cleft palate?

Complications
  • Difficulty feeding. One of the most immediate concerns after birth is feeding. …
  • Ear infections and hearing loss. Babies with cleft palate are especially at risk of developing middle ear fluid and hearing loss.
  • Dental problems. …
  • Speech difficulties. …
  • Challenges of coping with a medical condition.

What is the management of cleft lip and cleft palate?

Children with a cleft lip or palate will need several treatments and assessments as they grow up. A cleft is usually treated with surgery. Other treatments, such as speech therapy and dental care, may also be needed. Your child will be cared for by a specialist cleft team at an NHS cleft centre.

What is cleft lip surgery called?

Cleft Lip Repair

A plastic surgeon will repair the baby’s cleft lip first, usually when the baby is about 3 months old. This is done with a surgery called cheiloplasty (KY-lo-plass-tee). It’s done in the hospital while the baby is under general anesthesia.

What medications cause cleft lip?

Some drugs may cause cleft lip and cleft palate. Among them: anti-seizure/anticonvulsant drugs, acne drugs containing Accutane, and methotrexate, a drug commonly used for treating cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis.