Cleft Lip / Cleft Palate Baltimore & Columbia

Name: Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate
Brand: Maryland Prosthodontic Associates
Rating: 4.7 (129 reviews)

Our Baltimore & Columbia communities look to Maryland Prosthodontic Associates for the gold standard of prosthodontics, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral & maxillofacial surgery.

Leaving Developmental Deformities Behind for Good

Our specialists have years of experience resolving cleft lip and palate issues in Baltimore & Columbia, common yet distinct birth defects that impact approximately one in every 700 newborns. These developmental deformities, occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy, necessitate specialized care to ensure optimal outcomes. Leave your cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to us, and rest assured that you are in expert hands with our renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Schedule your consultation today to embark on a journey toward comprehensive correction and a brighter future.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Understanding Similarities and Differences

Cleft lip and cleft palate in Baltimore & Columbia are intricate birth defects that manifest during fetal development, specifically in the first trimester.

A cleft lip typically occurs around week seven, separating the two sides of the lip, often extending into the bone and gum of the upper jaw.
The cleft palate, appearing around week nine, involves the sides of the palate failing to fuse, creating an opening in the roof of the mouth.

These deformities are classified based on their location and size:

Unilateral Incomplete: A cleft on one side without extending to the nostril.
Unilateral Complete: A cleft on one side extending into the corresponding nostril.
Bilateral Complete: Larger clefts affecting both sides, extending to the nostrils.
Microform Cleft: A mild case forming a bump or scar line on the lip.

Any of these classifications require capable surgical attention of exactly what you will find at Maryland Prosthodontic Associates.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Correction: A Necessary Intervention

While cleft lip and cleft palate are treatable, a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists is often necessary. Corrective treatment offers excellent prospects in medical, physical, dental, and emotional aspects.

Without corrective treatment, risks include:

Speech Problems: Children may experience speech difficulties, impacting social and emotional development.
Feeding Issues: Babies with cleft deformities may struggle to drink milk due to gaps, posing risks if not fed upright.
Hearing Loss & Ear Infections: Incorrect positioning of eustachian tubes can lead to fluid buildup, causing painful ear infections and potential hearing loss.
Dental Challenges: Abnormalities in the upper jaw can impact teeth eruption, leading to dental issues like periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Overall, rapid and expert treatment is vital.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment

Early intervention is crucial, with surgeons working to close cleft openings within the first six months of a child's life. However, dental problems often persist, necessitating ongoing care. A comprehensive dental examination, including panoramic X-rays, 3D scanning and imaging, and other high-tech solutions, helps guide the dentist in determining the best treatment plan.

Treatment may involve implanting teeth to fill gaps and placing braces for proper alignment, enhancing jaw functionality, and improving smile aesthetics. These procedures, typically performed under local anesthetic, contribute to a comprehensive approach to dental restoration.

Schedule Your Consultation Restore Your Confidence. Restore Your Smile.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment: Discover Myriad Benefits

Choosing corrective treatment offers a range of benefits:

Speech Improvement: Corrective measures contribute to enhanced speech development.
Functional Feeding: Addressing cleft deformities ensures safe and effective feeding for infants.
Prevention of Ear Infections: Correcting eustachian tube positioning reduces the risk of painful ear infections and hearing loss.
Dental Restoration: Implanting teeth and orthodontic interventions can contribute to improved oral health for life.

Selecting a Reconstruction Expert

Choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for cleft lip and cleft palate reconstruction is crucial for expert care. At Maryland Prosthodontic Associates, our team brings advanced training and specialized knowledge to address various head and neck conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients. Every member of our team has undergone years of additional education and training to help deliver excellent outcomes for every patient.

The Maryland Prosthodontic Associates Difference

When you choose Maryland Prosthodontic Associates, you're choosing a commitment to excellence and patient care. Our affiliations with esteemed institutions like Johns Hopkins University Hospital and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center guarantee access to state-of-the-art facilities for advanced procedures and underscore our team’s zeal for top-tier care.

Our office prides itself on providing best-in-class services, as evidenced by our professional memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, American College of Prosthodontists, Academy of Osseointegration, and the American Dental Association.

Your Maryland Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Reconstruction Destination

You don't have to navigate the challenges of cleft lip and cleft palate alone. Schedule your consultation today with Maryland Prosthodontic Associates to discuss your unique case with our experienced team. We're here to help guide you toward the right solutions for your family with compassionate care and exemplary service.