Cleft lip and palate is the third most common birth defect in the United States.

Glossary:

Alveolar Cleft Bone Graft - An operation in which a small piece of bone from either the ribs or hips is used to fill a bony defect in the alveolus.

Alveolus - The bony part of the jaws to which the teeth are attached.

Anesthesiologist - A physician specializing in administering anesthetics to a patient in preparation for and during surgery.

Anesthetic - A drug or gas used to put patients into a deep sleep during surgery.

Audiologist - A person skilled in evaluating hearing problems.

Cephalometric X-Ray - An x-ray of the head. It is used to survey growth of the face and to monitor orthodontic treatments and jaw surgery.

Cephalometrics - In dentistry, a combination of measurements determined through studying cephalometric x-rays. By using cephalometrics, the craniofacial growth and development can be measured.

Cheiloplasty - A surgical repair of the cleft lip.

Columella - The fleshy margin of the nasal septum between the nostrils.

Cupid's Bow - The bow-shaped area which intersects the white and red parts of the upper lip.

Endoscopy - Inspection of the nose and throat by means of a flexible scope passed through the nose.

Face to Face of Indianapolis, Inc. - Support group based in Indiana, for parents of children with craniofacial problems.

Glossoptosis - A condition in which the tongue blocks the breathing pathway.

Hypernasality - Excessive nasal resonance ("talking through your nose").

Hyperplasia - Extra growth of normal tissue.

Hypertelorism - Abnormal width between the eyes.

Hyponasality - Decreased nasal resonance ("talking like you have a cold").

Hypoplasia - Under development of tissue.

Malocclusion - A condition in which the teeth and/or jaw bones are imperfectly aligned, which may lead to functional problems.

Mandibular - Pertaining to the lower jaw.

Maxillary - Pertaining to the upper jaw.

Medical Geneticist - A specialist in evaluating the cause of facial abnormalities.

Medical Photographer - A person who makes and keeps photographic records of patient conditions and/or progress.

Micrognathia - Unusually small size of jaws, especially the lower jaw.

Microtia - Unusually small size of the external ear.

Nasometer - A speech testing device to help in evaluating function of the palate.

Obturator - A retainer like device (dental plate) that functions as a "fake palate" for infants with un-repaired cleft palate. It is used prior to alveolar cleft bone grafting in the infant. The obturator helps line up the gums, and may also help with feeding of patients with very wide cleft palates.

Oral Surgeon - A dentist specializing in surgery of the teeth and jaws.

Orthodontics - The prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth.

Orthodontist - A dentist specializing in orthodontics.

Otitis Media - Infection of the middle ear.

Otolaryngologist - A specialist who treats problems of the ear, nose, and throat.

Otolaryngology - The branch of medicine that deals with problems of the ear, nose, and throat.

Otologist - An otolaryngologist specializing in inner and middle ear problems.

Palatoplasty - The repair of the roof of the mouth (palate).

Pediatric Dentist - A dentist specializing in dental needs of children.

Pediatric Nurse - A nurse specializing in the care of infants and children.

Pediatrician - A doctor specializing in the medical care of infants and children.

Philtrum - the groove in the upper lip just below the nose.

Plastic Surgeon - A doctor who specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery.

Program Coordinator - The person who arranges appointments, maintains patient records and monitors the interaction of the patient and family with the various team members.

Prosthodontics - The construction of artificial parts designed to restore function in the parts of the mouth, i.e. false teeth or dentures.

Prosthodontist - A dentist specializing in prosthodontics.

Psychiatrist - A doctor specializing in the mental health needs of patients.

Retrognathia - Abnormal posterior positioning of the jaw.

Rhinoplasty - An operation on the nose which improves breathing and/or appearance.

Social Worker - A person who assists in interrelations between families and the hospital. He or she may provide intermediate and long-term counseling for families.

Speech Pathologist - A person specializing in teaching how to use tongue placement, breath control, etc., as necessary to speak properly.

Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) - A condition resulting from a short and/or poorly functioning palate.

Vermilion Border - The exposed red portion of the upper and lower ips.

Video Fluoroscopy - An x-ray movie of the roof of the mouth and throat which helps to evaluate speech function in patients following palatoplasty.

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