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Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Also known as: Orofacial cleft, cleft palate, cleft lip, clefting.

What is Cleft Lip/Palate?

The tissues that make up the lip and palate (roof of the mouth) fuse together between the fourth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy. A cleft lip and/or palate is characterized by the presence of a gap (split) in the lip and/or palate seen at birth when the tissues of the lip and/or palate don't come together at all, or come together only part of the way.

As the lip and the palate develop separately, a baby may have one or the other, on one or both sides of the mouth, or both together. Boys tend to have more cleft lips while girls have twice as many cleft palates. Clefting can vary in type and severity.

What causes cleft lip/palate?

In most cases, it appears to be caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Many times no definite cause can be found. The risk increases when there is a family history of a cleft, when a mother smokes cigarettes, drinks alcohol or takes certain medications.

What are the symptoms of cleft lip/palate?

In addition to the physical signs that affect appearance, cleft lips/cleft palates can lead to problems with feeding, speaking, hearing and teeth development.

What are cleft lip/palate care options?

Clefts are typically treated with surgery very early in life. This usually occurs in the first few months and is recommended before the baby is a year old.

At Nicklaus Children's Hospital, a multidisciplinary team of specialists will ensure that the many complex health issues that may arise will be optimally managed.

Reviewed by: Chad A Perlyn, MD

This page was last updated on: 7/23/2026 6:47:10 PM

Craniofacial Center

The Craniofacial Center at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is one of Florida's leading specialty centers offering comprehensive management for infants, children, and young adults with an array of craniofacial differences.

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Abraham's Journey With Prenatal Cleft Lip and Palate

Abraham's mother was seven months pregnant when she found out her son was diagnosed prenatally with cleft lip and palate. Worried about her baby's future, she began a search for answers that led her to the Craniofacial Center at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where she became the first parent to consult with the program about a prenatal patient. At 6 months of age, Abraham underwent the first of many surgeries.

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Articulation Impairment Any incorrect production of sound due to an abnormality of one or more parts of speech production is called an articulation disorder
Craniofacial Abnormalities Craniofacial is a broad medical term that describes abnormalities of the bones of the skull and face.
Micrognathia Micrognathia is the medical term for an undersized jaw. It is typically present along with other birth defects and facial abnormalities.
Cerebrocostomandibular Syndrome Cerebrocostomandibular syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disorder that impacts the jaw and mouth.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair Cleft lip and palate are common facial birth defects that are often seen together. They involve a gap in the lip and palate of the newborn baby. Cleft lip and palate repair refers to the surgical procedures that are used to repair these problems.
Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Treatment For many newborns with a cleft lip or palate, reconstructive treatment can begin soon after birth with use of a pre-surgical device known as a nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance.