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Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth conditions that happen when a baby’s upper lip, roof of the mouth (palate), or both do not fully form during early pregnancy. This results in an opening or “cleft” that can vary in size, from a small notch in the lip to a wide gap extending into the nose and gums. These conditions are among the most common craniofacial differences globally.

Clefts can cause several health and developmental challenges. Babies with a cleft palate often struggle with feeding, as it’s difficult to create suction while nursing or drinking from a bottle. As they grow, they may experience ear infections, hearing loss, delayed speech, and dental problems, including missing or misaligned teeth.

A cleft repair does more than change how a child looks, it helps them eat more easily, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence. These surgeries restore essential functions and improve quality of life both physically and emotionally.

A healthy smile can open doors socially and emotionally, helping children feel more confident. Supporting cleft surgery means helping a child thrive, not just survive.