What is cleft lip and palate?
Cleft lip (CL) and palate (CP) is congenital malformation of the upper lip and roof of the mouth which occurs between the sixth and ninth week of embryonic development. A CL is the failure to have the junction between the lip and the nose seal and/or maintain the seal. This can occur in two ways; unilaterally or bilaterally. A unilateral cleft (a split or separation) affects only one side of the mouth, whereas a bilateral cleft is a split on either side of the mouth.
A CP is a cleft which affects the hard palate, the roof of the mouth. A CL & CP is a combination of the two openings, which can either be incomplete or complete.
A CP is a cleft which affects the hard palate, the roof of the mouth. A CL & CP is a combination of the two openings, which can either be incomplete or complete.