Guideposts in the Care of a Child with Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate

6 weeks – 3 months

Dentofacial orthopedics for complete CL/P

2-5 months

Repair cleft lip and nasal deformity

8-10 months

Hearing test and ear exam

10 months

Repair cleft palate

8 – 10 years

Phase I Orthodontics: Premaxillary expansion, removal of retained baby teeth. Alveolar bone graft to close gum and/or premaxillary osteotomy to move.

12 – 14 years

Phase II Orthodontics: Full orthodontic treatment to coordinate the bite and relieve crowding and rotations.

13 – 15 years for girls and 16 -18 years for boys

Final correction of external nose and septum. Phase III Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment with orthognathic correction.