Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects arising in the first trimester of pregnancy, occurring in roughly 1 out of 700 live births1 in which the lip, nose, and/or roof of the mouth do not completely form. This disorder can range from mild to severe, with various treatments available for individuals affected by cleft lip and palate, such as surgery and speech/language therapy. The treatments aim to improve the facial appearance, improve the ability to speak clearly and restore normal eating and drinking functions to the patient. Furthermore, cleft lip and palate can be associated with a number of medical conditions, including hearing loss and dental problems, thus proper diagnosis and treatment is important for proper functioning and quality of life.