Our craniofacial orthodontists in Fort Wayne, IN, and surrounding areas have experience treating patients with jaw and face abnormalities, such as . To provide the best care possible for your child, they’ll work with a team of specialists such as oral surgeons, craniofacial plastic surgeons, and speech pathologists.
We’ll handle any non-surgical movement of your child’s jaws. Our orthodontists will also monitor your child’s tooth and jaw development before and after surgery. At Parrish Orthodontics, we can help guide you through every step of the process so you know what to expect.
Here’s what else you need to know about craniofacial orthodontics.
What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
The parts of the face that form the upper lip and mouth are meant to fuse together before birth. But for unknown reasons, this doesn’t always happen during early fetal development. A cleft lip or palate happens when there isn’t enough tissue and the tissue that is present doesn’t fuse together as it should. The result is a split or opening in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth.
Risks of Untreated Cleft Lip and Palate
aren’t only aesthetic concerns. These birth defects can also compromise your child’s health and well-being. As such, most children with cleft lips and palates receive surgeries between three and six months of age. If left untreated, cleft lip and palate can increase your child’s risk of speech difficulties, ear infections, hearing loss, malnutrition, and oral health issues.
Our craniofacial orthodontists are ready to help you treat your child’s condition so they can enjoy a better quality of life. When you call our office, we’ll help you set up your first appointment and determine your next steps.
Request an Appointment With Us
Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and surrounding areas are accepting new patients! With eight convenient locations, it’s easy to find an orthodontist near you who offers the services you and your family need. To request an appointment, please call Parrish Orthodontics or fill out our online contact form.
Want to Learn More About Orthodontics?
Check out some of our blog posts about orthodontics.