How is a cleft diagnosed?

Clefting of the lip and palate is usually visible during the baby’s first examination. Occasionally, the palate is cleft but remains covered by the smooth, unbroken lining of the mouth.

A child with cleft lip or palate is often referred to a multidisciplinary team of experts for treatment. The team may include:

  • an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist)
  • plastic surgeon
  • oral surgeon
  • speech pathologist
  • pediatric dentist
  • orthodontist
  • audiologist
  • geneticist
  • pediatrician
  • nutritionist
  • psychologist/social worker
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