Living with Cleft lip and alveolus
A condition present from birth in which the upper lip, the base of the nose, and the upper gum ridge have a gap.
Understanding Cleft lip and alveolus
It can affect these areas to different degrees. GARD lists onset in the newborn period and infancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Gap in the upper lip
- Differences in the shape of the nose
- Trouble chewing
- Nasal-sounding speech
- Differences in facial expression
- Pits in the lip
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: cleft lip and cleft of alveolar process of maxilla
Patient organizations
- World Craniofacial FoundationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- Children's Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- FACES: The National Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- myFaceCraniofacial anomalies · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cleft lip and alveolus.
Explore research for Cleft lip and alveolus
Explore actively recruiting Cleft lip and alveolus studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Cleft lip and alveolus with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Cleft lip and alveolus studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Cleft lip and alveolus
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Cleft lip and alveolus experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.