Cleft Palate

Cleft palate is a common birth defect that affects children around the world. It’s a condition in which there is a gap or opening between the hard and soft tissues of the upper part of a baby’s mouth.

Cleft palate occurs during the first month of pregnancy when facial structures are being formed. Genetic factors may also contribute to cleft palate. Cleft lip, cleft palate and related conditions have been identified by researchers as one of seven types of birth defects referred to as craniofacial anomalies. In addition, medical research has identified more than 20 syndromes associated with clefting features(such as microtia, hemifacial hyperplasia), leading many medical professionals to question whether these should be considered separate disorders, or are all part of the same spectrum.