What Is a Cleft Palate and Does It Affect the Teeth?

Many children born with a cleft lip or palate will have significant dental issues. If this is the case with your child, The Dental Anesthesia Center can help.

They may have missing teeth, especially in the line of the cleft. They may also have misshapen or malformed or extra teeth. As a result, their teeth may be tilted, rotated, or crowded.

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A child with a cleft lip or palate needs a team of doctors to care for their needs. They’ll likely need an oral surgeon, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist for their dental care. If this is the case with your child, The Dental Anesthesia Center can help. We provide dental care for children and adults with special needs.

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Sheila I.

What a wonderful, knowledgeable, caring staff. Excellent care given to our 26 year old special needs son. They made everything so easy and kept me updated through the whole visit. Would highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! Our team works hard to provide compassionate, high-quality care and to keep families informed every step of the way. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Kisha D.

Dr.Hoffmann thank you so much for making everything smooth and easy your staff was awesome for it to be so early in the morning all smiles and nice facility. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything to you as they go. I will refer you to my family and friends thank you again.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and that everything felt smooth and comfortable for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and your willingness to recommend our office to family and friends! 😊

Jan R.

This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.

Patricia J.

Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

John G.

This is one of the best places that I have gone to for extensive dental care. The professionals there are extremely caring, and their bedside manner is beyond compare!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate, high-quality care is always our goal, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

What Is a Cleft Lip and Palate?

A cleft lip and palate are congenital abnormalities that form while a baby develops in the uterus. They occur when the tissues of the upper lip and roof of the mouth don’t join together correctly while the baby is developing in the womb. Surgery is required to repair a cleft lip and palate.

Cleft Lip:

During weeks four and seven of pregnancy, a baby’s lips form. Tissues from each side of the head join together at the center of the face to create our lips and mouth. A cleft lip develops when the tissues don’t join together properly. As a result, a gap forms between the two sides of the upper lip. A cleft ranges in size from a slight indentation to a large gap that opens to the nose. This separation can also include the roof of the mouth (the palate.)

Cleft Palate:

During weeks six and nine of pregnancy, the roof of the mouth, or palate, forms. A cleft palate is a split in the roof of the mouth. It can include the boney front part of the roof of the mouth or the soft palate, which is the delicate back part of the roof of the mouth.

Because the lips and mouth develop separately, it’s possible to have a:

• Cleft palate without a cleft lip
• Cleft lip without a cleft palate
• Both a cleft lip and palate – this is the most frequent

Does a Cleft Lip or Palate Affect the Teeth?

Yes, children born with a cleft lip or palate are prone to dental issues such as cavities and missing and malformed teeth. The teeth may not erupt correctly or be in the wrong positions, misshapen, or missing altogether. Consistent exposure to the air can cause dry mouth, allowing bacteria to flourish. Oral surgery, orthodontic and dentistry care are all necessary.

How Can You Help Your Child Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?

It’s essential to begin good oral healthcare habits very young. This is true for everyone, so it’s necessary for those with special needs. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups is also essential. For a child with a cleft palate, we recommend bringing them in well before their first birthday. Your dentist can advise how to best care for your child’s specific needs.