Cleft lip and palate

A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). It is present from birth. The gap is there because parts of the baby's face did not join together properly during development in the womb. The main treatment is surgery.

Cleft care in the South West of England is provided by a regional team based in Bristol. The RD&E is a spoke unit for the Regional Cleft Lip and Palate Service. Patients are seen from babies until 18 years of age regularly in order to monitor and plan their treatment. Our consultant orthodontists work closely with the Bristol team to provide care locally.

More information is available on the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust website.