Cleft Lip & Palate Program

The Cleft Lip and Palate Program at Boston Children’s Hospital cares for more than 575 patients each year, making it one of the largest in the country. Our training, experience and commitment to innovative care with compassion has made us a national leader in the care of children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate.

Cleft lip/palate is the second most common birth defect in the United States, affecting one in 700 infants. Prenatal ultrasonography will detect cleft lip/palate in the second trimester. Detection at this stage helps parents to understand the condition and prepares them for the treatment of their child. Because the cleft involves the lip, nose and palate, it may affect hearing, speech and the teeth. A dedicated interdisciplinary team of specialists is required to treat these children. Such a team is the heart of our program. In addition to evaluation, repair and longterm management, we also give information and support to our patients and their families.