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A Guide to Craniofacial Abnormalities in Children

Craniofacial Abnormalities in Children | Free Screening in Buffalo

As a parent, you want your child to live the best life possible—from their health and wellness to their home life and social circles. It’s essential that your child grows up in an environment where they can thrive and work toward a bright future. However, not everything is completely within your control. Sometimes, congenital disabilities, like craniofacial abnormalities in children, can affect your child’s life.

The most common craniofacial abnormality in newborns is a cleft lip or palate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 1,050 babies is born with a cleft lip, and 1 in every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft palate. Sometimes, babies can have both a cleft lip and palate. If untreated, these conditions can lead to difficulties for your child.

So what can you do about it, and who should you talk to? Our team of experts at Orthodontists Associates of Western New York can help you with your concerns. We have a team of experts who specialize in craniofacial orthodontics.

Craniofacial orthodontics is a branch of orthodontics that centers on treating cleft lips and palates. Our specialists also address other congenital conditions that impact the development of the teeth and jaws. This includes crossbites and tongue thrusts.

What Are Craniofacial Abnormalities in Children?

Craniofacial abnormalities in children affect the bones and soft tissues in the head and face. They can range from mild to life-threatening. Examples include skull abnormalities, facial abnormalities, and others, such as vascular malformations and hemangiomas. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we offer craniofacial orthodontics to treat cleft lip and/or cleft palate—common conditions impacting the soft tissues.

What’s the Difference Between a Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate?

Craniofacial Abnormalities in Children, Buffalo, NY | Free ScreeningAlthough both occur when a baby’s mouth or lip doesn’t form properly during pregnancy, the biggest difference between a cleft lip and palate is the location in the mouth. A cleft lip occurs when a baby’s upper lip doesn’t fully develop, leaving a gap or opening. In other words, the lip is split into two parts. A cleft palate happens when the roof of the mouth, known as the palate, doesn’t fully develop, creating an opening or gap. This results in a split in the palate.

Both conditions develop in utero at a very early stage of pregnancy when the tissue does not fuse the way it should. Luckily, diagnosing a cleft lip and palate is easier at birth than other types of abnormalities. A medical sonographer can diagnose a cleft lip or palate through an ultrasound. A cleft lip or palate can be an indicator of other types of abnormalities, which is why it’s important to detect it early on.

The causes of cleft lip or palate don’t come down to one particular reason. Genetics, environmental influences, and certain medications taken during pregnancy can all increase the risk.

What Impact Does a Cleft Lip or Palate Have on a Child?

Problems associated with a cleft lip and palate include difficulties with eating, hearing, and speech. It’s possible that your baby may have trouble breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to an inability to create enough suction. Children can also have issues with their self-esteem.

Dental problems are also associated with clefts. Cavities and missing, malformed, or displaced teeth may occur. Children with clefts may be prone to defects of the alveolar ridge—a bony ridge in the upper and lower jaws that holds the sockets of your teeth.

Other complications can occur, such as ear infections due to fluid build-up and hearing loss.

Treatment for Craniofacial Abnormalities in Children

It’s essential to consult our team if your child is born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Early dental intervention makes a big difference for you and your child and has a positive impact on both your lives. Both pre-and post-dental care is crucial—your child will need a comprehensive care plan from doctors and specialists to get the care they deserve. This includes Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors (ENTs), plastic surgeons, and speech therapists.

We can help in several ways, like showing you the correct way to care for your child’s mouth or recommending the proper tools for dental care. Craniofacial orthodontics should start early, right before your child’s teeth begin to emerge from the gums. Surgical intervention should occur around 3-6 months for future oral development. Early contact with our team means you have experts to answer your questions and guide your decision-making.

You can rest assured your child is in good hands when you connect with us. We will develop a plan to treat your child’s cleft lip or palate, and once their permanent teeth arrive, we can assist in aligning them. We will also work directly with your child’s speech therapist and other care providers should they need a palate lift or a speech bulb.

Compassionate Care for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

There’s plenty to learn when it comes to cleft lip and palate, but learning about these issues doesn’t have to be frightening, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Orthodontists Associates of WNY, we believe in providing you with everything you need to know about orthodontic care. We’re here to give you the information and the help you and your child need when you need it most.

If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate, contact us for a free screening so we can develop the care plan your child deserves!

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