Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Services and treatment for children with cleft lip and palate can vary depending on the severity of the cleft; the child’s age and needs; and the presence of associated syndromes or other birth defects, or both.

​

Several surgeries through the first few years of the child’s life are usually recommended to repair the cleft lip and palate. Surgical repair can improve the look and appearance of a child’s face and might also improve breathing, hearing, and speech and language development. Children born with cleft lip and palate clefts may need special dental or orthodontic care or speech therapy. With treatment, most children with cleft lip and palate do well and lead a healthy life.