Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Care
Partnering with Dartmouth Hitchcock Craniofacial
Center to transform lives through expert,
compassionate orthodontic care.
Comprehensive Cleft Care
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth differences that affect the mouth and facial structure. While they present unique challenges, modern treatment approaches provide remarkable outcomes. As part of a specialized team, we play a crucial role in guiding dental and facial development throughout childhood and adolescence. Our partnership with the Dartmouth Hitchcock Craniofacial Center ensures your child receives world class coordinated care, transforming lives through expert treatment and compassionate support.
Team-Based Care
Dartmouth Hitchcock Partnership
Multidisciplinary Care Approach
Successful cleft treatment requires a team of specialists working together throughout your child’s development.
Multidisciplinary Team Care
Comprehensive treatment requires coordination among specialists
- Orthodontist (tooth and jaw alignment)
- Oral/Craniofacial Surgeon (surgical repair)
- Speech Therapist (speech development)
- ENT Specialist (ear and hearing care)
- Pediatric Dentist (dental health)
- Psychologist (emotional support)
Partnership with Dartmouth Hitchcock
We collaborate closely with the Dartmouth Hitchcock Craniofacial Center
- Access to top craniofacial surgeons
- Coordinated treatment planning
- Seamless communication between providers
- Comprehensive care under one program
- Expert surgical and orthodontic collaboration
- Long-term follow-up and support
Treatment Timeline
Cleft care is a journey spanning many years. Each phase has specific goals tailored to your child’s development.
Birth to 18 Months
Primary surgical repairs are typically performed during infancy
Key Milestones:
- Cleft lip repair (3-6 months)
- Cleft palate repair (9-18 months)
- Early feeding support and monitoring
- Speech development assessment
Toddler to School Age (2-5 Years)
Speech & Development
Focus on speech development and monitoring dental eruption
Key Milestones:
- Speech therapy as needed
- Dental eruption monitoring
- Additional surgical repairs if needed
- Ear tube placement if required
Ages 6-12
Mixed Dentition Phase
Active orthodontic intervention often begins during this phase
- Expansion to widen narrow upper jaw
- Bone grafting to cleft site (ages 7-10)
- Guiding eruption of permanent teeth\
- Preparing for comprehensive treatment
Teen Years 12-18
Comprehensive Orthodontics
Full orthodontic treatment to align teeth and perfect the bite
Key Milestones:
- Full braces or aligner treatment
- Final bite alignment and aesthetics
- Possible jaw surgery if needed
- Coordination with other specialists
Young Adult 18+
Final Refinements
Completing any remaining treatments and maintaining results
Key Milestones:
Final cosmetic refinements if desired
Orthognathic surgery if needed
Long-term retention and monitoring
Ongoing support as needed
Our Role in Your Child’s Care
As your orthodontic partner, we’re committed to guiding your child through every phase of treatment.
Early Evaluation & Monitoring
We begin seeing cleft patients in early childhood to monitor development and plan treatment
Growth Guidance
Guide facial and dental development through strategic intervention at optimal times
Team Collaboration
Work closely with Dartmouth Hitchcock craniofacial team for coordinated care
Comprehensive Treatment
Provide complete orthodontic care from childhood through adulthood
Family Support
Guide and support families through every step of the orthodontic journey
Lifelong Care
Continue to support patients with retention and any future needs