July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, an effort to raise awareness and improve understanding of birth defects of the head and face, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s also a cause very near and dear to the doctors of Blue Wave Orthodontics.
Craniofacial (relating to the bones of the skull and face) abnormalities–such as cleft palate–can occur at birth and are considered to be among the most common of all birth defects (1 in 750 births). If these conditions are left untreated, they can cause problems with nursing, feeding, speech, and hearing as the child develops and grows. They can also cause many problems for adults who are unable to have the abnormalities treated at a young age. We want to share with our patients just how important this cause is so you can get involved and help those in need!
Many of the doctors and team members at our practice have experience helping treat these conditions and champion those affected by it. Here is an example of the work Blue Wave Orthodontic doctors volunteer and give their time to help those in need:
Before & After
Dr. Feldman is a member of the American Cleft Palate Association and has been the team orthodontist for the USF craniofacial/cleft palate team since 1984. He’s helped a total of 3,500 craniofacial patients over his career! Dr. Brockway also volunteers on the All Children’s Cleft Lip and Palate team every month and provides orthodontic and dental advice to make sure these patients are well treated.
You can learn more about and get involved with this cause through awesome organizations like The Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association !
You can learn more about and get involved with this cause through awesome organizations like The Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association !
