A cleft lip is a condition that creates an opening
in the upper lip between the mouth and nose. It looks as though there
is a split in the lip. It can range from a slight notch in the coloured
portion of the lip to complete separation in one or both sides of
the lip extending up and into the nose. A cleft on one side is called
a unilateral cleft. If a cleft occurs on both sides it is called
a bilateral cleft.
If
only the palate is affected it is known as a secondary cleft
or incomplete cleft palate (D in the palate diagram). In its most
minor form only
the uvula is cleft, but even this leads to an abnormality in
the muscles in the palate and, if the speech is affected, a repair
will
be required. This type is called a submucous cleft palate (E
in the palate diagram).
A complete
bilateral cleft palate (G) leaves the central part of the gum unattached,
allowing it to grow forwards. This is the premaxilla and carries
the upper four central teeth. A double bone graft at the time the
permanent teeth are erupting is required for this type of cleft.
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