Cleft lip and cleft palate
Disease Information
Tests
The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis.
How is cleft lip/cleft palate diagnosed?
In most cases, a prenatal ultrasound can detect cleft lip/cleft palate as early as 16 weeks into a pregnancy. The diagnosis is then confirmed at birth with a detailed visual assessment and physical examination.
Rarely, a baby may have a mild instance of cleft palate that only involves her soft palate—the fleshy tissue at the back of her mouth. This type of cleft may not show up on ultrasound, and may not be noticeable until the infant experiences difficulty feeding. At that point, a clinician will perform a comprehensive exam to identify the exact nature of the problem.
| Planning your first visit |
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| Find out what you need to know before your first appointment with Children’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program. |
Related Conditions and Treatments:
Clinical Services
- Advanced Fetal Care Center
- Cleft Lip and Palate Program
- Dental Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs
- Dentistry
- General Otolaryngology Program
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Plastic and Oral Surgery
- Prosthodontics
- Speech-Language Pathology Program


