Do Adults with Cleft Need Follow-Up Care?
Cleft care continues into adulthood. Here is what adult cleft patients should know.
Yes β adults with cleft lip and palate benefit from ongoing follow-up care even after childhood surgeries are complete.
- What is monitored:
- Dental: Missing teeth, dental implants, gum health
- Speech: Any remaining hypernasality
- Hearing: Ongoing hearing checks
- Bite stability: Monitoring for changes
- Scar revision: If desired
- Sinus health: Cleft palate can affect sinus function
- Common adult treatments:
- Dental implants for missing teeth
- Orthognathic surgery (if not done earlier)
- Cleft rhinoplasty
- Scar revision
- Sleep apnea evaluation
- Periodontal care (gums near the cleft need special attention)
- Transition to adult care:
- Many cleft teams follow patients until age 21
- After that, patients transition to adult providers
- Some craniofacial centers have adult cleft clinics
- A cleft team can provide recommendations for adult providers
Clinical Guidance
Adults with cleft benefit from ongoing dental, speech, and medical monitoring. Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is an important step. Common adult treatments include dental implants, rhinoplasty, and orthognathic surgery.