A cleft means a split or separation; the palate is the roof of the mouth. A cleft palate or lip then is a split in the oral (mouth) structure.. A child can be born with both a cleft lip and cleft palate or a cleft in just one area. cleft lip and palate interferes with eating, speaking, and even breathing. It is also associated with different type of malocclusions and/or constricted jaws.

The role of orthodontist in this type of patients includes expansion (widening) of jaw as well as correction of malocclusion and prepare the jaws/teeth for surgery if needed.