A cleft lip or cleft lip is a birth defect in which the upper lip does not meet the lower lip completely. This can lead to breathing and eating problems, as well as aesthetic problems such as facial asymmetry and difficulty pronouncing sounds.
Lip cleft can be caused by various factors such as genetic abnormalities, infections during pregnancy, exposure to toxic substances on the fetus, etc. Treatment depends on the severity of the defect and may include surgery, orthodontic treatment, and speech therapy.
One of the most common treatment methods is surgical correction. The operation is usually performed at an early age, when the child cannot yet speak and does not have breathing problems. Surgical intervention includes closing the defect, restoring the normal shape of the lip and creating conditions for proper speech development.
In addition to surgery, other treatment methods may be used, such as orthodontic adjustments or speech therapy. Orthodontic treatment can help correct the shape of the lip and improve its functionality. Speech therapy can help your child learn to pronounce sounds correctly and improve his speech development.
Regardless of the treatment method chosen, it is important to provide the child with quality medical care and support during the treatment process. Parents should be prepared for the fact that treatment may take a long time and require effort and patience.