The Cleft Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is a dedicated clinic that provides comprehensive care and support for children born with cleft lip and/or palate. Led by a team of skilled surgeons, pediatricians, nurses, orthodontists, dieticians and speech-language pathologists, the clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique needs of each child. The clinic provides a range of services, including surgical interventions, speech therapy, orthodontic treatment and specialized feeding support. The team at the Cleft Clinic collaborates closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual child.

With a focus on holistic care, the clinic also offers counseling and educational resources to assist families in navigating the challenges associated with cleft facial differences. The Cleft Clinic at Le Bonheur is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to children with cleft lip and palate. Our goal is to help kids and families achieve the best possible outcomes and confidence as they develop and grow.

Why Choose the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic

Le Bonheur's Cleft Clinic has several unique aspects for the care of children with cleft lip and palate:

• Expertise and Experience: The Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic is staffed by a team of highly experienced and skilled professionals who specialize in treating cleft lip and palate conditions. The clinic's plastic surgeons, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists and other health care providers have extensive expertise in the comprehensive management of these conditions, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Our clinic follows a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together various specialists to address the diverse needs of children with cleft lip and palate. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the child's care, including surgical, speech, orthodontic and feeding interventions, are coordinated and integrated, leading to comprehensive and cohesive treatment plans.
• Comprehensive Services: The Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of children with cleft lip and palate. These services may include surgical interventions, speech therapy, orthodontic treatment, feeding support and counseling. Having all these services available in one clinic simplifies the coordination of care and enhances convenience for families.
• Family-Centered Care: The clinic places a strong emphasis on family-centered care, recognizing that the well-being and involvement of parents and caregivers are crucial to the success of the child's treatment. The team at the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic actively involves families in decision-making, provides emotional support and offers educational resources to empower them in managing their child's condition effectively.
• Supportive Environment: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and their families. The clinic's staff understands the challenges and concerns that families may face when dealing with cleft lip and palate, and they strive to create a supportive and compassionate atmosphere throughout the treatment journey.
• Research and Innovation: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital is committed to advancing the field of cleft lip and palate care through ongoing research and innovation. By choosing the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic, patients and families have the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements and participate in cutting-edge treatments or clinical trials.

Overall, the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic stands out as a premier center for cleft lip and palate care due to its expertise, multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive services, family-centered care, supportive environment and commitment to research and innovation. Families can feel confident in choosing the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic for their child's care, knowing that they will receive exceptional treatment and support throughout their journey.

Cleft Conditions We Treat

We care for children with a wide spectrum of cleft and jaw-related conditions, including:

• Cleft lip and cleft palate
• Pierre Robin Sequence
• Mandibular (jaw) abnormalities
• Midface growth deficiencies

Children with these conditions often require staged care over many years. Our team emphasizes feeding support, speech development, dental health, facial growth, and appearance at every stage of treatment.

Cleft Procedures and Typical Treatment Timeline

Presurgical Orthopedics (NAM / PNAM / PLANA)

• Begins within the first 1–2 weeks of life
• Helps align the lip, nose, and gum segments prior to cleft lip repair

Cleft Lip Repair

• Typically performed at 3–6 months of age
• Aims to restore lip function, symmetry, and nasal shape

Cleft Palate Repair

• Usually performed between 9–18 months of age
• Focuses on normal speech development and separation of the mouth and nose

Alveolar Bone Grafting

• Typically between 7–12 years of age
• Uses bone grafting to support permanent tooth eruption and stabilize the upper jaw

Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty

• Often between 16–21 years of age
• Refines nasal shape and function once facial growth is near completion

Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

• Typically between 16–21 years of age
• Corrects jaw alignment and bite discrepancies

Orthodontic Care

• Integrated throughout childhood and adolescence
• Coordinates dental alignment with surgical timing

What to Expect During Your Visit

During your visit to the Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic, you can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to your child's care. We try to make the visit as fun and efficient as we can! Here's what you can anticipate during your visit:

• Initial Evaluation: Your first visit to the clinic will involve a thorough evaluation of your child's condition. The team of health care professionals, including plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists and other specialists, will assess your child's cleft lip and/or palate, as well as any associated concerns such as speech or feeding difficulties. They will review your child's medical history, perform a physical examination and may order additional tests or imaging if necessary.
• Development of a Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, the team will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for your child. This plan may include surgical interventions, speech therapy, orthodontic treatment and other necessary interventions tailored to your child's specific needs. The team will explain the proposed treatments, answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
• Coordination of Care: The Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic follows a multidisciplinary approach, meaning that different specialists work together to provide coordinated care. During your visit, the team will ensure that all necessary appointments, procedures and therapies are scheduled and coordinated efficiently. This integrated approach aims to streamline your child's care and minimize any potential disruptions or delays.
• Education and Support: The clinic recognizes the importance of providing education and support to families. You can expect to receive information and resources to help you better understand your child's condition, the recommended treatments and how to manage any challenges that may arise. The team will offer guidance on feeding techniques, speech development, oral hygiene and other aspects of care. Additionally, the clinic may provide counseling services to support your emotional well-being and help you navigate the journey of raising a child with cleft lip and palate.
• Ongoing Follow-up: Treatment for cleft lip and palate is typically a long-term process that may extend over several years as your child grows and develops. The Le Bonheur Cleft Clinic will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your child's progress, adjust treatment plans as needed and address any concerns that may arise along the way. These follow-up appointments are essential for ensuring optimal outcomes and providing ongoing support for your child's overall well-being.
• Collaboration and Family Involvement: The clinic places great importance on collaboration and involving families in the care process. You can expect to be actively involved in decision-making regarding your child's treatment, with the team listening to your input and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. The clinic values open communication and encourages families to share their perspectives, ensuring that the care provided is personalized and aligns with your family's goals and values.

Referrals

We welcome referrals from pediatricians, family physicians and specialists. Early referral allows for timely diagnosis, family education and access to the full range of treatment options. Click here to make a referral today.