Cleft lip and palate are one of the most common birth defects, with an incidence of 1 in 600 to 1000 births. The initial surgery takes place when the baby is still an infant, but a full line-up of specialists is required for a fully functional and healthy smile.
Cleft and craniofacial orthodontics in Calgary, Alberta, is a crucial part of that long-term care—addressing not just how teeth look, but how they function and develop as the child grows.
Understanding the role of orthodontics in cleft care helps families see why ongoing specialized treatment matters so much for their child’s long-term outcomes.
What Are Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip and palate in NE Calgary occurs when the tissues of the lip or roof of the mouth do not fully fuse during fetal development. This can happen on one or both sides and may involve just the lip, just the palate, or both.
The condition affects:
- Feeding and nutrition in infancy
- Speech development as the child grows
- Dental development and tooth alignment
- Facial structure and appearance
- Self-confidence and social development
Modern treatment involves a team of specialists — surgeons, speech therapists, audiologists, and orthodontists — all working together from infancy through the teenage years.
Why Orthodontics Matters in Cleft Care
Many parents assume that surgery fixes the cleft completely. But the reality is more complex.
Surgical repair restores the basic structure—closing the gap in the lip and palate. But it does not automatically correct the underlying dental and skeletal differences that cleft conditions create.
An orthodontist near you who specializes in cleft care addresses the following:
- Crowded or misaligned teeth that develop as a result of the cleft
- Bite problems — the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly
- Underdevelopment of the upper jaw, which is common in cleft palate cases
- Missing or extra teeth that are common in cleft patients
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaw
Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth, improves the bite, and helps create a smile that is not just attractive but fully functional—allowing the person to eat, speak, and breathe without difficulty.
The Stages of Orthodontic Treatment for Cleft Patients
Treatment is not a single phase. It typically happens in coordinated stages throughout childhood and into the teenage years.
Early childhood phase (ages 5 to 8):
An orthodontist may begin early treatment to guide jaw growth in the right direction and create more space for permanent teeth to develop. This is called interceptive orthodontics.
Mixed dentition phase (ages 8 to 12):
While permanent teeth are coming in, the orthodontist keeps track of their development and makes adjustments to guide teeth into better positions. This stage is vital as it shapes the development of the permanent bite.
Adolescent phase (ages 12 to 18):
Once all permanent teeth have erupted, comprehensive orthodontic treatment — typically with braces — aligns the teeth and corrects the bite completely. At this stage, the jaw bones have largely finished growing, so the final result is more predictable.
Finding orthodontics in Calgary from a team experienced in cleft care means your child receives treatment coordinated with their surgeon, speech therapist, and other specialists.
The Multidisciplinary Approach
This is what sets cleft care apart from typical orthodontics.
A coordinated team approach means the following:
- The orthodontist works alongside the cleft surgeon to ensure treatment supports surgical goals
- Speech therapy is integrated because jaw and tooth alignment affect speech
- Audiological care is concerned with common hearing issues in cleft palate.
- Through psychological support, these children learn to cope with their condition emotionally.
- A sound family education ensures parents understand the long haul.
This integrated care produces significantly better outcomes than any single specialist working alone.
Long-Term Benefits of Orthodontic Care in Cleft Patients
Proper orthodontic treatment gives children with cleft conditions the following:
- A functional bite that allows comfortable eating and speech
- Teeth that are easier to clean and maintain long-term
- A smile that they feel confident about
- Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Better overall facial structure and appearance
- Improved self-esteem and social confidence
Expert Care for Every Stage of Your Child’s Journey—Totally Orthodontics Is Here for You
Children with cleft and craniofacial conditions deserve orthodontic care from specialists who understand their unique needs and are experienced in coordinating treatment with the entire care team.
At Totally Orthodontics, every young patient receives comprehensive, compassionate care just for their journey. Contact us and schedule your appointment to give your child the smile they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an orthodontist is experienced in cleft care?
Look for orthodontists who specialize in cleft and craniofacial cases, who work with cleft teams at pediatric hospitals, and who are trained in the specific complexities of treating these patients—cleft lip and palate orthodontics near you should be a specialization, not a side service.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take for cleft patients?
Treatment may span several years, involving multiple phases. Early interceptive treatment might last one to two years, with comprehensive treatment lasting another two to three years during the teenage years, making the total journey five to seven years or longer.
Is orthodontic treatment different for cleft patients than for other children?
Yes—cleft patients often require more complex treatment because of jaw underdevelopment, missing or extra teeth, and the need to coordinate with surgical outcomes, making treatment from a specialist experienced in cleft care especially important.
Will my child need additional surgery alongside orthodontics?
Some cleft patients benefit from surgical jaw correction—called orthognathic surgery—during the teenage years to achieve optimal jaw alignment and facial proportion, something that would be determined during treatment planning.
