Cleft Palate Treatment
Cleft palate surgery repairs the cleft, or opening, in the roof of the mouth of a child in order to restore normal function such as eating and speaking. Done when a child is nine to eighteen months old, the surgery is done to repair both small tears and complete separations. The surgery involves moving tissue from each side of the cleft to the midline of the roof of the mouth to rebuild the palate, and joining muscle together with enough length to allow the child to eat and learn to speak properly.
Children born with a cleft lip or palate often have other needs that must be addressed. Problems with feeding, hearing, speech, their teeth and their psychological development may also be factors in their condition. Dr. Hardy, a member of the American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association, recommends seeking the help of a Cleft Lip and Palate Team as early as possible and will consult with you and your pediatrician as to how to put a team togethe
Our Location
2802 Great Northern Loop
Missoula, MT 59808
tel. (406) 728-3811
