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Cleft Lip and Palate in Burlington, ON
Living with a cleft lip and palate in Burlington can affect eating, speaking, oral development, and overall confidence for both children and young adults. At Dentology Dentists, we offer compassionate care and specialized dental treatment for individuals with cleft lip and palate in Burlington, working closely with patients and their families to maintain long-term oral health and function.
What Is Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft palate is when the gap is in the mouth. The palate is the bone, muscle, and a thin layer of skin that forms the roof of the mouth and separates the nose and mouth. The palate is crucial for speech and eating, helping to stop air from escaping through the nose during speech and containing food or liquids.
Like a cleft lip, a cleft palate develops during early pregnancy when different parts of the face form. A cleft palate is a gap in the top of the mouth, with the soft palate at the back and the hard palate at the front. The severity of a cleft palate can range from a small opening in the soft palate to a complete separation of both the hard and soft palates.
Sometimes, babies are born with a cleft palate and a small chin, which can make breathing difficult. Since the lips and palate develop independently, a baby may have a cleft in either or both structures. On average, clefts occur in one in every 800 babies.
Children born with cleft lip and palate often require the expertise of multiple professionals to address the associated challenges, including feeding, hearing, psychological support, and speech. Surgery is often recommended to correct the defects and can improve many of the issues associated with these congenital conditions.
Cleft Lip Treatment
Cleft lip surgery is done very early, often as early as 10 weeks old. The main goals of this surgery are to close the gap, normalize the shape of the mouth, and restore the function of the muscles. Some cases may allow for the correction of the deformity in one surgery, while others may require additional procedures for a more complete correction. The timing and approach to surgery will vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the cleft lip. Early intervention is often recommended to address the condition and support optimal development.
Cleft Palate Treatment
Cleft palate surgery is done when the child is a bit older, typically between 7 and 18 months, depending on the individual child’s needs and the location of the gap. Prioritization of surgery may also depend on other concurrent issues. The main goals of the surgery are to close the gap in the roof of the mouth, reattach the muscles, and restore proper function of the palate. The palate is also lengthened to function properly. Various surgical approaches may be considered and will be discussed with the medical team before the procedure.
For cases with a cleft in the hard palate, surgery may be delayed until 8 to 12 months, when the canine teeth start to develop. This surgery involves harvesting bone from the hip to close the defect. It can also be performed on teenagers and adults as a standalone surgery or in conjunction with jaw surgery, if needed.
Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Procedure at Dentology Dentists
Every patient with cleft lip and palate in Burlington is unique. At Dentology Dentists, we start by understanding your oral health, reviewing your medical history, and creating a personalized plan that supports your overall treatment goals and coordinates with other healthcare providers when needed.
Comprehensive Dental Assessment
We begin by examining your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and the areas affected by the cleft lip or cleft palate. We also review previous surgeries, procedures, referrals, and recommendations from your existing palate team or hospital.
Personalized Treatment Planning
After the exam, we create a specialized dental treatment plan based on your oral condition and stage of development. If necessary, we communicate with your orthodontist, speech-language pathologist, plastic surgeon, or other members of your care team to support coordinated care.
Preventive and Restorative Dental Care
We provide preventive cleanings, fluoride treatments, restorative dentistry, and monitoring of teeth that may have developed differently due to a craniofacial condition. Our dental hygienist also educates families on how to maintain healthy oral hygiene between visits.
Monitoring Growth and Oral Changes
As children grow into youth and eventually young adults, their dental needs change. We schedule regular appointments to monitor tooth alignment, jaw development, and oral function, and adjust recommendations as needed.
Referral for Additional Services
Some patients require additional oral surgery, orthodontic care, or speech therapy beyond our clinic. When necessary, we provide a referral to trusted providers or a recognized palate program to ensure comprehensive care.
Long-Term Maintenance
Regular dental visits help protect oral health throughout every stage of life. We are available to answer questions, provide preventive care, and support the ongoing management of your cleft lip and palate with your healthcare team.
Benefits of Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment
Receiving ongoing specialized dental treatment for cleft lip and palate in Burlington can improve oral function, support healthy growth, and help patients feel more confident throughout life. We want to help families and individuals by providing dental care that complements their overall treatment plan.
Supports Healthy Oral Development
Regular dental treatment helps monitor tooth eruption, jaw growth, and gum health in patients with cleft palate or cleft lip. Early monitoring can also help identify concerns before they become more complex and support healthy child development.
Improves Long-Term Dental Health
Consistent specialized dental care helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease around the areas affected by cleft lip and palate. A dental hygienist and pediatric dentist can recommend preventive care that supports long-term oral health.
Works Alongside Other Healthcare Providers
Dental care is often one part of a bigger care team that may include speech therapy, an orthodontist, oral surgery, and a plastic surgeon. Coordinated care helps patients receive comprehensive support for oral function and appearance.
Promotes Confidence and Everyday Function
Proper dental management may improve chewing, oral comfort, and support future restorative procedures. Many children, youth, and young adults also benefit from increased confidence as their oral health improves over time.
Why Choose Dentology Dentists?
Choosing the right dental practice for cleft lip and palate in Burlington means finding a team that understands the importance of personalized care, clear communication, and long-term oral health. At Dentology Dentists, we work with patients of all ages and tailor every treatment plan to their individual needs and goals. We provide compassionate, specialized dental care and support families throughout every stage of care.
Personalized Care for Every Patient
We understand every cleft lip and palate is unique, and we take the time to create an individualized dental treatment plan. Our recommendations are based on your oral health, age, medical history, and long-term goals while respecting the guidance of your broader care team.
Comprehensive Dental Services
Our clinic provides preventive, restorative, and ongoing specialized dental treatment for patients with specialized dental needs. We also monitor changes over time so your dental care continues to meet your needs as you grow and develop.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
We recognize many patients receive support from an Ontario cleft lip or palate program involving multiple healthcare providers. When necessary, we communicate with your orthodontist, plastic surgeon, speech-language pathologist, nurse practitioner, dental director, or palate team to ensure continuity of care.
A Comfortable and Supportive Experience
We strive to create a welcoming environment where children, youth, young adults, and their families feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns. We explain every recommendation clearly so patients know what to expect during each visit and can feel confident about their treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cleft lip and palate?
A cleft lip and palate is a condition that develops before birth when parts of the lip and palate do not fully join together. The condition may involve only the cleft lip, only the cleft palate, or both, depending on the individual. We provide dental care for patients with cleft lip and palate in Burlington and work with other healthcare providers when necessary. Our focus is on healthy teeth, gums, and oral function throughout every stage of life. We can discuss your concerns during your visit and explain how our services fit into your overall treatment plan.
Can your clinic provide dental care after cleft lip or palate surgery?
Yes. We see patients who have had surgery related to a cleft lip and palate or another craniofacial condition. We monitor healing, evaluate oral health, and recommend preventive or restorative dental treatment based on your needs. If additional oral surgery, orthodontic treatment, or another procedure is required, we can refer you to your existing care team when necessary. Our goal is to support your oral health before, during, and after different stages of treatment.
Will my child need ongoing dental visits?
Yes. Many children born with a cleft benefit from regular dental exams to monitor tooth eruption, jaw growth, and oral hygiene throughout their development. We recommend regular visits so we can identify any concerns early and provide specialized dental treatment if needed. As children grow into youth and young adults, their treatment needs change, and we adjust our recommendations accordingly. We work with parents to support healthy habits for lifelong oral health.
Do you work with other healthcare professionals?
Yes. Many patients with cleft lip and palate in Burlington receive care from multiple healthcare providers, and we value collaborative treatment planning. Depending on your needs, we may communicate with your orthodontist, plastic surgeon, speech-language pathologist, pediatric dentist, nurse practitioner, or other members of your palate team. Some patients may also be part of a palate craniofacial or palate program through a hospital that treats other craniofacial conditions or other craniofacial differences. Working together helps support consistent care and long-term oral health.
Is financial assistance available for cleft lip and palate treatment?
Coverage and funding vary depending on the treatment, your individual circumstances, and Ontario programs. Some aspects of care may be covered through government initiatives, private insurance, or financial assistance programs supported by the Ministry, the provincial council, or hospital-based services related to maternal and child health. Since every situation is unique, we encourage families to discuss available options with the appropriate organizations and their healthcare providers. We can explain which dental services we provide and answer questions about treatment planning. During your visit, we can also discuss referrals if additional support is required.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
If you or a family member has a cleft lip and palate in Burlington, Dentology Dentists is here to provide compassionate and personalized dental care. We support patients, children, youth, and young adults with healthy smiles through ongoing preventive and restorative treatment. Whether you have questions about your oral health, need a routine visit, or require coordinated care with other healthcare providers, our team is here to help. Call 905-632-5881 today to book a consultation and learn more about our services for cleft lip and palate. You can also book online, and we will be happy to assist you.