Parkside Dental

Serving Murphy, TX

Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment

Posted on 10/31/2023 by Parkside Detnal

Young girl covering her mouth at Parkside Dental

Cleft lip and palate are common congenital conditions that require complex, staged treatment from infancy into adulthood. Gaining an overview of the reconstruction process helps inform and support parents of children born with clefts.

Cleft Lip Repair Surgery

The initial surgery to repair a cleft lip usually occurs around 3-6 months of age. This surgery fixes the separated lip elements, bringing the muscles together correctly. General anesthesia is used for comfort. Additional minor revisions may follow.

Cleft Palate Repair

Closing the opening in the roof of the mouth, known as the palate, is also done surgically, typically between 9-12 months old. This repair rebuilds the palate's structure for proper eating and speech development. Later procedures may optimize the palate shape.

Orthodontic Tooth Alignment

Children with clefts frequently have misaligned teeth due to an imbalance in jaw growth. Moving the teeth into the proper position requires several phases of orthodontic appliances like braces and retainers. This begins around age 8 with a palatal expander that widens the upper jaw.

Speech Therapy

The palate plays an integral role in speech, so therapy helps children with repaired cleft palates develop clear articulation, language, and sounds. Ongoing therapy maximizes abilities through growth milestones.

Additional Surgical Procedures

As the child grows, supplemental procedures refine appearance and function. Common interventions include nasal sculpting, lip scar revisions, bone grafting, correcting malocclusion, and rhinoplasty for older teens. Timing depends on growth factors.

Social and Emotional Support

Raising a child with clefts brings unique challenges. Joining support groups helps parents share experiences. Social workers and psychologists provide emotional assistance and help children adjust and thrive.

With comprehensive team care over time, children born with cleft conditions can enjoy rich, fulfilling lives. Each phase of intervention builds toward the ultimate goal of health and confidence.

Our Services

Healthy smiles for healthy families start with professional family dentistry. We specialize in Airway Dentistry and many other comprehensive services at Parkside Dental.

Airway Dentistry

We offer oral appliances to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth surgically put in locations where teeth are missing. These restorations appear and perform exactly like natural teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners straighten your teeth without the use of metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands. Instead, we begin treatment by taking an impression of your teeth and gums.

Cosmetic Dentistry

At Parkside Dental, we specialize in several cosmetic services aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and overall smile.

Smile Gallery

For years, we have helped our patients retain their smile and regain their life. We would like to share some of our smile results and let you decide what is best for you.

See more results

Meet our Team

The moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from a friendly face. We care about making you feel comfortable and relaxed in our office. That is why we have designed our office to be a serene and calming atmosphere. From complimentary beverages and entertainment options to cozy blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and lip balm, we have thought of everything.
Meet Our Team

Meet Our Doctors

Drs. Jason and Jean Larsen are a husband-and-wife dental team who work together seamlessly and complement each other’s dentistry skills perfectly. They share a passion for dentistry, a dedication to education, and a commitment to caring for your smile. Jason and Jean both worked as associates in private practices before opening their own dental office in Murphy. They are loving the freedom of ownership.
Dr. Jason Larsen - Dr. Jean Larsen

Reviews

"I have never met a dental team and office staff that is so accommodating for their patients. Dr's Jean and Jason Larsen have a genuine concern for their patients. I would recommend them to anyone."

Parkside Dental

703 E. FM 544 Suite 100
Murphy, TX 75094
972-442-7550

Office Hours:

Mon: 7:00am-5:00pm
Tue: 7:00am-4:00pm
Wed:7:00am-5:00pm
Thu: 7:00am-4:00pm
Fri: 7:00am-3:00pm

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Parkside Dental Murphy TX
Parkside Dental welcomes patients in the Murphy, Wylie, Plano, & Richardson TX, areas to their family-oriented dental practice. Call today!
Parkside Dental, 703 E FM 544 Suite 100, Murphy, TX 75094 / 972-442-7550 / parksidedentaltx.com / 11/28/2023 / Tags: dentist Murphy TX /