Cleft Palate
Cleft palate care at Reid Health
At Reid Health, we understand that every child’s journey is unique. A cleft palate diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with early treatment and the right care team, children can grow, speak, eat, and thrive. Our Plastic & Reconstructive expert partners with families to provide expert, compassionate care from infancy through childhood.
What is a cleft palate?
A cleft palate is a condition a baby is born with. It happens when the roof of the mouth does not fully close during pregnancy, leaving an opening. The palate has two parts:
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Soft palate: toward the back of the mouth
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Hard palate: toward the front
A cleft can affect one or both areas. Some babies are born with a cleft palate alone, while others may have both a cleft lip and cleft palate.
Why does a cleft palate need treatment?
Treating a cleft palate is important for your child’s health and development. Without repair, a cleft palate can affect:
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Feeding and nutrition
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Speech development
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Hearing and ear health
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Dental and jaw growth
Early care helps support normal growth, clear speech, and long-term well-being.
Plastic & reconstructive surgery
Signs and symptoms of cleft palate
A cleft palate may be noticed at birth, especially if the opening is visible. Some signs include:
- An opening in the roof of the mouth
- Trouble feeding or poor weight gain
- Frequent ear infections
- Speech delays or nasal-sounding speech as the child grows
In some cases, a cleft palate is part of a broader condition and may occur alongside other physical differences.
How is a cleft palate diagnosed?
A cleft palate is usually diagnosed at birth during a physical exam. In some cases, prenatal ultrasounds may raise concerns, but cleft palate is not always visible before delivery. After birth, your care team will assess your child and create a personalized care plan.
Cleft palate treatment options
Treatment is tailored to each child’s needs and focuses on function, appearance, and long-term development.
Care may include:
Surgical repair: of the cleft palate, often between 12 and 18 months of age
Feeding support: and guidance for infants
Speech therapy: as your child grows
Dental and orthodontic care
Hearing evaluations: and ear care
Children with cleft palate often benefit from a team-based approach, which may include plastic surgery, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), speech therapy, dentistry, and other pediatric specialists. Reid Health coordinates this care so families feel supported at every stage.
What to expect from surgery
Cleft palate surgery is designed to close the opening in the roof of the mouth and improve speech and feeding. Most children recover well and go home within a few days. Follow-up visits help ensure healing is on track and developmental milestones are supported.