What Is the Timeline?
  1. Impression at the OR when 7–14 days of age
  2. Fit appliance within a couple of days
  3. Addition of the nasal stent
  4. Adjust appliance weekly
  5. Remove wire components just prior to surgery
  6. Lip repair surgery at approximately 3-4 months of age
  7. Acrylic plate to stay in after lip surgery
  8. Palate surgery at 10-14 months after which acrylic plate is not needed
     
Will This Hurt My Baby?

Babies get used to these appliances very quickly and it will surprise you to see how adaptable they are. You will also see improvements in appearance almost immediately. Although you will feel “all thumbs” to begin with, it will soon become routine and very rewarding as you see the fruits of your labours in the permanent improvement you have helped make in your baby’s appearance.

Problems
  1. The plate is loose. Try tightening the elastics by moving the steristrips higher on the plastic skin, or add some denture adhesive to the plate.
  2. Skin rashes. Try to move the tape or plastic skin to different areas, or if the problems persist, phone Lorine Scott at the Cleft clinic. She has some great ideas and remedies.
  3. Sore, red or bleeding areas on the palate or nose. Call Dr. Loo to arrange an adjustment.
  4. Baby pulling plate out. This may happen especially later in treatment. It is important to keep the plate in. Use more denture adhesive, put mitts or socks on the hands. If the plate is left out the tongue can push up into the cleft and possibly widen the cleft. This makes the palate surgery more difficult and prone to complications. For some babies it may only be possible to have them wear it at night and during feedings. Others will refuse to wear it at all. If this happens at this stage, we are often able to discontinue the plate and still provide your baby with a very good result.
  5. Plate not fitting because of teeth coming in. Contact Dr. Loo and make an appointment to have the plate adjusted as soon as possible. Often a slight adjustment will make the plate comfortable again for your baby to wear.
Created by Ortho Sesame™ 5687 Yew Street, Suite 307  |  Vancouver, B.C. V6M 3Y2  |  604.261.8890