Phone: (202) 783 - 3368 -
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
The experienced dentists and orthodontists at Dr. James E. Johnson DDS, & Associates P.C can advice you as well as provide continued treatment options for your children if they are suffering from (or undergoing treatment for) cleft lip/palate. Please give us a call at (202) 783-3368 to schedule an appointment with our Orthodontist.
What is Cleft Lip (cheiloschisis) and Cleft Palate (palatoschisis)?
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate are congenital deformities caused by abnormal facial development during gestation. They occur in somewhere between one in 600-800 births. Sometimes these conditions are referred to as just a cleft. “Cleft” simply means a sub-division in the body's natural structure, formed before birth. Cleft lip and cleft palate may occur separately or together.
A cleft lip or palate can be successfully treated with surgery soon after birth.Causes of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Doctors don't know exactly why a baby develops cleft lip or cleft palate. It is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as certain drugs, illnesses, and the use of alcohol or tobacco while a woman is pregnant. Both mothers and fathers can pass on genes that can contribute to the development of the condition. The highest prevalence rates for cleft lip and cleft palate have been reported in Native Americans and Asians. Africans have the lowest prevalence rates reported.
Children with oral clefting may often need dental and orthodontic treatment to help align the teeth and take care of any gaps caused by the cleft. Healthy teeth are critical for kids with clefting; they are important for proper speech.
Kids with oral clefting generally need the same dental care as other kids. That is, regular brushing; and flossing once the 6-year molars come in. The key is good oral hygiene. Depending on the condition of the mouth and teeth, your dentist may recommend a toothette (a soft sponge that contains mouthwash) rather than a toothbrush. As your child grows, you may be able to switch to a soft children's toothbrush.
Hemifacial Microsomia
What is Hemifacial Microsomia?
Hemifacial Microsomia is a birth defect in which the lower half of one side of the face is does not grow normally. The severity of the condition varies, but it always includes improper development of the ear and mandible. The condition is also referred to as first and second brachial arch syndrome, oral-mandibular-auricular syndrome, lateral facial dysplasia, or otomandibular dysostosis.Causes of Hemifacial Microsomia
The exact cause of this condition is still unclear. Most researchers believe that it is related to some occurrence in the early stages of development. For example, disturbances in the blood supply to the first and second branchial arches during the first 6 - 8 weeks of pregnancy. It is believed that adults with this condition have a 3% chance of passing it to their children (source: www.faces-cranio.org).How we can help with your child’s treatment plan for Hemifacial Microsomia?
The treatment of patients with hemifacial microsomia generally requires an interdisciplinary approach including at least maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.The experienced orthodontists at Dr. James E. Johnson DDS, & Associates P.C can advice you and assist you with continued orthodontic treatment options for your children if they are suffering from or undergoing treatment for Hemifacial Microsomia. Please give us a call at (202) 783-3368 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist.