Cleft palate
A cleft palate is a congenital abnormality caused during fetal development that leads to a facial malformation. Specifically, cleft palate refers to a split found in the roof of the mouth which can be treated with surgery and speech therapy.
Cleft lip and palate care in Dallas, Texas
The Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Medical City Children’s Hospital is a leading destination for those seeking treatment of congenital and acquired differences.
The center uses the latest technology, is actively involved in research and remains committed to pursuing innovations that enhance patient outcomes. Since 1985, the center has treated infants, children and adults from all over the globe and performed thousands of surgical procedures.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
About the Cleft and Craniofacial Center
Our center at Medical City Children’s Hospital is dedicated specifically to children born with clefts involving the lip, palate, and other facial structures. The center’s program is approved by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.
Our care team
A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the care of infants born with a cleft and those who received their initial treatment elsewhere. Our comprehensive team of specialists includes:
- Craniofacial plastic surgeons
- Pediatric otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat)
- Pediatric medical doctors
- Maternal-fetal medicine doctors
- Craniofacial orthodontists
- Pediatric dentists
- Pediatric surgeons
- Speech pathologists
- Neonatal intensive care specialists
- Geneticists
- Psychologists
- Nurse practitioners
- Child life services
Our approach to cleft lip and palate treatments
The features of a cleft lip can vary. One child may have a small notch in the lip, while another has a complete separation of the lip that also includes a cleft palate. This might occur on one side of the lip or both sides. Other facial structures such as the nose, eyelid, and cheeks could be involved.
A child’s ability to feed, speak, and hear may be affected by their condition, requiring our multidisciplinary team specialists to come up with the best treatment plan for your child. It is equally important to devote time to every patient’s appearance and sense of self. We follow children from the start of treatment as an infant all the way to adulthood.
Evaluation and treatment for cleft palate and lip
A surgical plan is tailored specifically to each child. This follows a timeline to enhance function and minimize growth disturbance. It is important to know that a patient may not require all possible operations by the time they reach adulthood. Procedures include:
- Cleft lip repair
- Cleft palate repair
- Speech surgery (Furlow palatoplasty, posterior pharyngeal flap)
- Ear tube insertion
- Alveolar bone grafting
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Revision surgery in children and adults
Contact us
To learn more about the cleft lip and palate services at Medical City Children's Hospital or to inquire about care for yourself, a child, a family member or a patient, please call (972) 566-3429.
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, are accepted.
Families of patients with cleft and craniofacial disorders are encouraged to review these educational resources: