before and after illustration of cleft lip surgery

Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft palate and cleft lip affect about 7,000 newborn babies in the United States each year. 

Surgery can correct the functional and cosmetic defects of the disorder and improve your child's ability to speak and smile with confidence.

What else makes this procedure life-changing?

before and after illustration of cleft lip surgery

Early Surgery Can Have Positive Lifelong Effects

Establish a Healthy Diet for Your Child

Correcting a cleft lip or palate can improve your child's ability to eat and receive the proper nutrients.

Positive Long-Term Outcomes

The scars remaining after surgery are usually discreet, suit the natural contours of the face, and fade over time

Prevent Developmental Issues

Addressing a cleft lip or palate early and receiving the support of a dentist can usually prevent future speech problems and issues with tooth development.

Fortunately, Cleft Lip and Palate Are Largely Isolated Birth Defects

But Is the Surgery Safe for My Child?

No surgery is without risks. However, a study performed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found a very low complication rate of about 3.1 percent in patients who received cleft lip and nasal repair within approximately one month of birth. 

The Cleft Lip Procedure

Most cleft lip procedures are performed when the child is three to six months old. However, your surgeon may recommend waiting if your child has a cleft palate. Although each surgery is performed on a case-by-case basis, here is what you can generally expect:

Your surgeon will place your child under general anesthesia to ease him or her into a deep sleep.

The surgeon will carefully trim excess tissue and suture it back together during the one to two hour surgery

Most patients receive dissolvable stitches and are left with a small visible scar, which should fade over time. 

Your child will stay in the hospital for up to a week after surgery and should reach full recovery within 4 weeks

If your child has a cleft palate, they may need more than one surgery to fully resolve the defect. 

The number of surgeries needed will depend on how serious the defect was. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can work with plastic surgeons and orthodontists to ensure healthy teeth development and highly cosmetic results

A Specialist Focuses on Both Function and Appearance

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon plays an important role in this treatment. By helping to restore the jaw and face to their normal function and appearance, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help your child on their journey to improved speech, hearing, and confidence

Do not wait to speak to a surgeon. Early intervention can help your child develop normal speech habits, healthy nutrition, and begin to build a strong sense of self-confidence for lifetime happiness. Contact a doctor today to find out more about cleft lip and palate surgery.

New Jersey Dental Centers office exterior

New Jersey Dental Centers

Our dentists and team of qualified professionals want every patient to love their smile. They are members of trusted dental organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • New Jersey Dental Association
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Academy of General Dentistry

Our dental care is affordable, and we offer flexible financing options to help you pay for treatment. To schedule a consultation at one of our 17 locations, call or contact us online.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 1820 Corlies Ave Ste 8 Neptune City, NJ

Neptune City Office

1820 Corlies Ave
Ste 8
Neptune City, NJ 07753

Open Today 9:00am - 8:00pm

Google map image of our location in 1355 15th St  Fort Lee, NJ

Fort Lee Office

1355 15th St
Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Closed Today

Google map image of our location in 5700 Bergenline Ave Ste 2 West New York, NJ

West New York Office

5700 Bergenline Ave
Ste 2
West New York, NJ 07093

Open Today 10:00am - 7:00pm

Google map image of our location in 3333 U.S. 9  Old Bridge, NJ

Old Bridge Office

3333 U.S. 9
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Open Today 9:00am - 3:00pm

Google map image of our location in 272 U.S. 46  Elmwood Park, NJ

Elmwood Park Office

272 U.S. 46
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407

Open Today 9:00am - 3:00pm

Google map image of our location in 106 Grand Ave Ste 390 Englewood, NJ

Englewood Office

106 Grand Ave
Ste 390
Englewood, NJ 07631

Open Today 8:00am - 4:00pm

Google map image of our location in 2279 NJ-33 Ste 513 Hamilton Square, NJ

Hamilton Square Office

2279 NJ-33
Ste 513
Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

Closed Today

Open Every other Friday and Saturday 8am - 2pm

Google map image of our location in 1315 Stelton Rd  Piscataway, NJ

Piscataway Office

1315 Stelton Rd
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Open Today 9:00am - 3:00pm

Google map image of our location in 174-176 Main St  Ridgefield Park, NJ

Ridgefield Park Office

174-176 Main St
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

Open Today 10:00am - 7:00pm

Google map image of our location in 658 W Cuthbert Blvd  Westmont, NJ

Westmont Office

658 W Cuthbert Blvd
Westmont, NJ 08108

Open Today 8:00am - 12:30pm

Google map image of our location in 915 Elizabeth Ave  Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth Office

915 Elizabeth Ave
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Open Today 9:00am - 6:00pm

Google map image of our location in 195 US-46 W  Totowa, NJ

Totowa Office

195 US-46 W
Totowa, NJ 07512

Open Today 9:00am - 7:00pm

Google map image of our location in 1070 NJ-18 N  East Brunswick, NJ

East Brunswick Office

1070 NJ-18 N
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Open Today 8:00am - 3:00pm

Google map image of our location in 85 S. Harrison Ste. 103 East Orange, NJ

Orange Dental Group Office

85 S. Harrison
Ste. 103
East Orange, NJ 07018

Closed Today

Google map image of our location in 741 Teaneck Rd  Teaneck, NJ

Teaneck Office

741 Teaneck Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Open Today 9:00am - 1:00pm

Google map image of our location in 1010 Main St. Ste #6 Paterson, NJ

Paterson Office

1010 Main St.
Ste #6
Paterson, NJ 07503

Open Today 9:00am - 1:00pm

Google map image of our location in 164 Ferry St  Newark, NJ

Newark Office

164 Ferry St
Newark, NJ 07105

Open Today 9:00am - 1:00pm

Send a message