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What are clefts?
What are clefts
Cleft lip occurs when the medial nasal and maxillary facial processes fail to fuse properly during the embryonic stage. Cleft palate results from the unsuccessful fusion of the palatal processes of the upper jaw.
It is one of the most common congenital anomalies, often affecting families at a time that should be filled with joy, the birth of a child. Known since ancient times and surrounded by superstition, clefts were once considered a source of shame, forcing children and families into silence and isolation.How common are clefts
This condition occurs on average in approximately 1 out of every 600 births. In Cyprus, around 15 children are born each year with cleft lip and/or palate, while in Greece, it is estimated that 200 to 250 children are born annually with this condition.
What factors contribute to the development of clefts
According to the literature, possible contributing factors include folic acid deficiency, smoking, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, the exact causes of clefts remain unknown. Simple cleft conditions — unlike more complex syndromes — do not follow clear patterns of inheritance. Still, in many cases, there may be a family member, even a distant relative, with a similar condition.
Is the presence of a cleft related to intellectual development
Although in some cases a cleft may be part of a more complex condition (syndrome), most often it is not associated with other health problems. Intellectual development is typically normal, and once the aesthetic and functional issues are addressed, the child can fully integrate into society without any stigma or difficulty.
Types of Clefts
1.
Cleft Lip
It is the interruption of the continuity of the lip and perhaps the alveolus, i.e. the part of the maxilla that surrounds the teeth. The cleft of the lip is rarely exactly in the middle. If the lip and/or the alveolus separates completely, the cleft is called complete, while if only part of the lip separates is called incomplete. It can be unilateral or bilateral, i.e. from one or from both sides.
2.
Cleft Palate
It is the separation of the palate (the roof of the mouth). What applies for the cleft of the lip applies also for the cleft of the palate, except that when the cleft palate is not accompanied by cleft lip it is always in the midline and it might concern only the soft tissues or might include the bones of the hard palate as well. When there is also a cleft lip, cleft palate is usually towards the same side of the cleft lip.
3.
Cleft lip and palate
It can be unilateral or bilateral, i.e. from one or from both sides and extends from the lip until the soft palate.
Medicleft is the leading center for the treatment of clefts and craniofacial anomalies in Cyprus.
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Medicleft is the leading center for the treatment of clefts and craniofacial anomalies in Cyprus.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Please leave your contact details and we will get in touch with you shortly to schedule your appointment.
Thank you!
We will contact you shortly
Can't send form.
Please try again later.