Cheft Lip and Palate

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Cleft lips or palates occur in approximately 1 out of 800 babies. A cleft lip occurs when the right and left sections of the upper lip fail to grow together resulting in a baby being born with a separation in the upper lip. When a similar condition occurs in the roof of the mouth it is called a cleft palate. Since the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to have a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both. Surgeries are required to alleviate these problems, offering the child the ability to lead a normal, healthy life.