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What is a Cleft Lip & Palate?
A cleft lip & palate is a congenital condition that occurs due to the abnormal development of facial structures in a fetus. Cleft lip & palate is characterized by the improper formation of a baby’s lip or mouth that causes it to have an opening (commonly referred to as cleft). This condition tends to lead to complications relating to feeding, talking, and problems with teeth. A cleft lip & palate is one of the most common birth defects in children.
A cleft lip and/or palate can result in problems with feeding, talking, and various dental problems. Additionally, it may also lead to social, emotional, and behavioral problems resulting from an altered physical appearance that causes varying psychological problems.
Since cleft lip & palate are physical deformities, they are apparent at the time of birth without requiring any special tests. However, this condition can be detected before birth through a routine ultrasound evaluation around the 18th week of pregnancy. Further tests can be run during this time to gain a better understanding of other potential conditions that may also be present with a cleft lip & palate.
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s treatment for cleft lip and/or palate aims to provide complete functionality to the tissues in order to ensure proper ability to eat, speak, and breathe. This requires a surgical procedure that aims to fuse together the opening in the upper lip or mouth using techniques specific to the nature of the cleft. This often leads to a remarkably improved appearance as well as an immediate improvement in the ability to eat and speak.
Dr. Ruben Cohen of Park Smiles NYC is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive experience and success in corrective facial surgery for children in New York City. He also travels the globe to remote towns and villages in Africa, South America and Asia to provide free surgical services to disadvantaged children.
Not only is Dr. Cohen extremely knowledgeable and proficient, but his strong sense of compassion and empathy makes him the ideal oral and maxillofacial surgeon for your child’s needs.
Any child with a head or facial abnormality should be evaluated by a specialist. Call Park Smiles NYC today for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cohen.
Announced in 2017 in New York Times Magazine as one of the top 20 oral surgeons and “Super Specialists” in New York City – selected by local medical experts!
