Cleft Palate Treatment

Cleft palates occur when the lip and the bone in the roof of the mouth fail to differentiate at critical points during the child’s development. There are varying degrees of cleft palates, but treating them involves more than just a plastic surgeon to repair the cosmetic aspects. Blue Wave Orthodontics is proud to work as a team with other outstanding doctors to ensure nothing short of the best work is done for these children in need.

The Team:

Since cleft palate often involves the ear, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), audiologist, and speech pathologist are on the operating team. Also involved are an orthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, general dentist, prosthodontist, neurosurgeon, pediatrician, nurses, psychologist, and, at times, a social worker.

Many children who have been in need of the coordinated talents of many specialists for craniofacial/cleft palate surgery have been helped by doctors on the Blue Wave Orthodontics team. Dr. Feldman, for example, has been the team orthodontist for the USF craniofacial/cleft palate team since 1984 and Dr. Brockway volunteers at All Children's Hospital Craniofacial clinic. Blue Wave Orthodontics is passionate about this specialty as it truly changes a child’s quality of life and overall health.