ProviderWhat is Craniofacial Orthodontics?
Cleft and craniofacial orthodontics is a specialized area of orthodontics that focuses on treating patients with certain congenital birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, as well as other facial and cranial abnormalities.
Orthodontists who specialize in this area collaborate with various specialists, such as surgeons, speech therapists, and other medical professionals, to meet the complex needs of their patients.
Specialized Treatment for Complex Cases
Dr. Paul Helpard, Dr. Megan McFadden, and Dr. Michelle Kosmowski perform nasoalveolar molding in their office, a nonsurgical method that reshapes the gums, lip, and nostrils using an appliance prior to cleft lip and palate surgery.
For over 20 years, Dr. Helpard has been an active member of the Cleft Lip and Palate & Craniofacial Anomalies team at BC Children’s Hospital. The program cares for more than 2,500 patients from British Columbia and the Yukon, providing patients with ongoing specialist assessments, treatment plans, case management and coordination, and treatment intervention.
Dr. McFadden is also a member of the cleft team in Victoria, where she contributes her expertise in the management and treatment of children with cleft lip and palate.
Flexible In-House Payment Plans
At Shoreline Orthodontics, we truly believe that finances shouldn't stand in the way of getting the health care you desire. To help patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer zero-interest payment plans and low down payment options.
What is a Cleft Lip & Palate?
Cleft lip and palate are facial malformations where the upper lip and mouth fail to seal before birth. Splits can also occur in the palate due to insufficient or improperly joined tissue. This defect arises early in fetal development, with its cause mostly unknown, though genetics and maternal environmental factors may contribute.
While there are certainly aesthetic considerations related to cleft lip and palate, this birth defect can impact individuals in significantly more serious ways, including:
- Difficulty eating
- Speech difficulties
- Ear infections
- Dental problems
What is Nasoalveolar Molding?
Nasoalveolar molding is a non-invasive, pre-surgical treatment that uses a specially designed plastic plate (mouthpiece) to adjust the gums, upper lip, and nostrils of children with cleft lip and palate.
The goal of this treatment is to minimize the severity of the cleft and enhance the results of future surgeries.
Some of the ways that nasoalveolar molding helps in preparation for surgery include:
- Reducing the cleft inside the mouth
- Reducing the gap in the upper lip
- Lifting and narrowing the nose