Cleft Lip and Palate

The fourth most common birth defect in the United States, cleft lip and cleft palate affect one in every 700 newborns each year. A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip, usually involving the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse or join together properly. Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur on one side or both sides.

Because cleft lip and cleft palate are apparent at birth, most people have surgery to correct the defect early in life. However, follow-up surgery often is necessary later on to treat any deformities that still exist after initial treatment. These may include deformities of the lip and nose, as well as abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in the evaluation and treatment of various problems of the teeth and jaw resulting from cleft lips and palates.

For information or to make an appointment, please call:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center at (415) 476-3242

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007