Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Treatment Allows Your Child To Achieve Full Functionality of the Lip and Palate
A cleft lip or cleft palate is a common birth defect in which the two sides of the lip or roof of the mouth do not fuse together during fetal development. A child may be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. Infants born with a cleft may have difficulty feeding and maintaining suction, and leaving this condition untreated can severely impact the child’s ability to eat and speak properly.
Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams hold both dental and medical degrees and performs the delicate surgery needed to correct this birth defect in infants. Depending on the severity, care may involve an oral surgeon, a pediatrician, and a speech pathologist. With proper treatment, your child will achieve full oral function and a pleasing appearance.
Leaving Orofacial Clefts Untreated
Children with a cleft lip or palate will have a more difficult journey learning how to eat from breastfeeding or bottles. Their speech will be affected by the improper development of oral structures, which could negatively impact their willingness and ability to communicate during early childhood. By having your child’s orofacial cleft treated by a trusted professional, you can avoid the following complications:
- Higher risk of ear infections
- Hearing loss caused by untreated ear infections
- Difficulty swallowing
- A nasal-sounding voice accompanying speech difficulties
- Higher risk of cavities
- Higher risk of extra or malformed teeth
With treatment, most children with clefts do well and lead healthy lives. Special bottles can help children with clefts achieve adequate nutrition, but surgery is eventually necessary to restore full function and prevent other complications.
Treatment for Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates in Walnut Creek, CA
During the consultation, Dr. Karas, Dr. Williams, and their team will evaluate your child's oral health and take 3D scans to get a more detailed look at the facial structures. Then, he will design a treatment plan that is unique to your child’s needs. Dr. Karas, Dr. Williams, and their surgical team offer many anesthesia options to keep your child as comfortable as possible during any type of surgical procedure.
A cleft lip requires 1–2 surgeries, the first performed before the infant is 3 months old. Your surgeon will close the separation to restore muscle function to the upper lip. An additional procedure may be required later on to improve the appearance and function of the nasal passages. Traces of the cleft typically vanish completely during the teenage years once facial growth has finished.
A cleft palate requires multiple surgeries over the course of 18 years, the first performed between 6–12 months. Your oral surgeon will close the gap in the roof of the mouth and reconnect the muscles. A bone or soft tissue graft is usually required to close the communication.
Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to ensure the adult teeth align and develop correctly once the child enters puberty. Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will outline the specific details of your child’s treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate and other procedures.
" When I first walked into this practice, I felt that I was the most important person in that moment, and that was important to me. Dr. Karas has a way of relating to his patients. I felt comfortable with him in terms of his professionalism and care. The staff explained everything to me and made me feel at ease."
"Dr. Karas did an amazing job, and I was very happy with the work he did. I could tell that I was working with a professional and it really showed. The staff are very friendly and caring, and they make you feel very special."
"The staff here are very personable, outgoing, and friendly, and very accommodating. Having this dental implant has given me a really new outlook on life and I'm so happy I did it. I have a beautiful, healthy smile now, and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team."
"Dr. Karas is a very warm and professional person. He makes me feel secure. I feel that he knows what he’s doing, and I felt like I was in the best hands possible. My overall experience has been absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Karas and his team."
"Everyone here was just kind, friendly, and caring. Dr. Karas made me feel like he really cared about my needs and concerns. He talked to me in a way about my procedure that I could really understand, and I felt comfortable after my first consultation with him. I’m very happy that I chose this practice to have my procedure done."
" Everybody here really made me feel at home and at ease. Dr. Karas is a very friendly and professional person. I really knew I was in good hands with him. I had complete confidence that he would do an amazing job, and he did. I had an amazing experience here."
" Everyone here was just so welcoming and understanding about this whole process. Dr. Karas is very composed and [is] such a professional. Dr. Karas makes me feel so comfortable every time I see him. This surgery has been life-changing. I eat and chew so much better now. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I just feel more free to be myself."
"The staff here are fun. They are extremely kind and extremely caring, and you can tell that they care for every patient that comes through the door. My experience here was absolutely amazing. I have a healthy smile now and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team. "
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
How Can We Help You?
Contact our office to schedule an appointment or use the buttons below to learn more about our practice.