Craniofacial And Congenital Deformities

Conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial anomalies affect a child’s head and facial bones. They are usually congenital, meaning present at birth, and can range from mild to severe. Many children born with a cleft of the lip and/or palate will have missing teeth, particularly in the line of the cleft. They may also have extra teeth, misshapen or malformed teeth. To get your children’s teeth checked out contact our dentists.

Types Of Craniofacial And Congenital Deformities

Cleft lip or cleft palate. A separation that happens in the lip or the palate (roof of the mouth), or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies seen at birth. Cleft lip. An abnormality in which the lip does not completely form. The degree of the cleft lip can vary greatly, from mild (notching of the lip) to severe (large opening from the lip up through the nose).

Cleft palate. Happens when the roof of the mouth does not completely close, leaving an opening that can extend into the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate) to the throat (soft palate). The cleft may also include the lip.

Craniosynostosis. A condition in which the sutures (soft spots) in the skull of an infant close too early. This causes problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance.

Vascular malformation. A birthmark or growth, present at birth, is composed of blood vessels. It can cause functional or aesthetic problems. Vascular malformations may involve multiple body systems. There are several different types of malformations.