The bad news is that a cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects. The good news is that it usually treatable, with most of the major correction done before a child is out of diapers.
However, many patients require corrective surgical procedures throughout their adult lives to try to give them a pleasing smile.
In the past, our options were limited, but today we have a better understanding of how the skull and facial bones grow, new technologies (including soft and hard tissue lasers), and new dental appliances and treatments that are providing beautiful results.
Correcting a facial deformity requires surgery. However, without performing major surgical procedures to move boney structures, we can use bonding (tooth-colored material that is layered over a tooth and sculpted to mimic a natural tooth), all-porcelain crowns and gum contouring to create a beautiful smile. [We chose not to include "before" photos because of their disturbing nature].
Building up the teeth can help correct a malocclusion (bad bite when teeth don't match up) and provide lip support to make the lip area appear full and even.
A soft tissue laser can be used to contour uneven or overgrown, unsightly gum tissue.
Finally, frequent professional dental cleaning can remove built up plaque that irritates gum tissue and starts the infection process.
If you want to improve your smile, we can discuss your options with you and create a treatment plan to give you a beautiful smile.
Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.
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