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.
