SMILES

Hi,

I understand that most cleft palate babies require a bone graft to stabilize the upper jaw. Is it necessary for a soft palate child as well?

Also, for a soft palate child, is there a possibility of be missing teeth?

Irene

My son's soft palate was completely under-developed.

Our surgeon did not even bring into the discussion a bone graft.

Theodore, my son, is now 10 and he has a perfect palate and upper jaw.

Regarding missing teeth, during a recent oral surgeon consultation to address his misaligned front teeth, we were told that his upper jaw has two more teeth than expected for his age.

I hope this helps.

Gregory (10 yoB PRS)

My daughter was born with a cleft of the soft palate in 2004. I too thought she might be missing some teeth. Some were missing for a long time and have recently erupted. I have never been advised my daughter would need a bone graft. She does have a prominent underbite, we will probably correct this with orthodonics later.

J B

I was told no bone graph because it is tissue and muscle that was effected. EJ's teeth seemed to take longer to come in but so far so good.

My niece has a unilateral complete right cleft lip with gum involvement, no cleft palate. My sister says the doc they've been to says she'll need a bone graft for the gum involvement when she's about 5 (before her permanent teeth come in). She hasn't had her lip repaired yet so they may know more once they do that.

My son Eyson, born unilateral cleft lip and bilateral cleft palate, will require bone grafting. He only needs it because his cleft is through to his gums.

heather wrote:My son Eyson, born unilateral cleft lip and bilateral cleft palate, will require bone grafting. He only needs it because his cleft is through to his gums.

This sure looks like Avery's inside. he doesnt look like he has a top gum either.
we will know more after we see the surgeon next week.