3D Printing for Jaw Surgeries
Shriners Children’s offers an innovative approach for children who need surgery on their jaw, which involves repositioning the jaws to improve the child’s bite and appearance.
Craniofacial Care
Quick Summary of Our Craniofacial Care
Families facing a craniofacial difference often have questions about care, development and long-term support. At Shriners Children’s, we provide internationally recognized, family centered craniofacial care for children with congenital or acquired head and face conditions, including cleft lip and cleft palate, as well as more complex craniofacial needs.
Our multidisciplinary teams deliver coordinated care tailored to each child, which may include craniofacial surgery, imaging and planning, dental and orthodontic services, speech and hearing support, and ongoing care as children grow. Working closely with families, we create individualized treatment plans so every child can receive comprehensive care – regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status.
Shriners Children’s offers internationally recognized craniofacial care, and select locations are approved by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Craniofacial Care
Which Shriners Children's locations provide craniofacial care?
Shriners Children’s offers craniofacial care at hospitals and clinics in the United States and Mexico.
What is craniofacial care?
Craniofacial care focuses on treating conditions that affect the head, face, skull and jaw. These conditions may be present at birth or develop later, and care is designed to support healthy development, function and appearance as a child grows.
What Shriners Children's treatment options are available for craniofacial conditions?
Shriners Children's offers advanced treatments and services for pediatric craniofacial conditions that may include craniofacial surgery, 3D printing for jaw surgeries, facial and dental imaging, psychological services, speech therapy, audiology services, ear, nose and throat care, dental and orthodontic-related services, and care management.
Our family-centered approach celebrates the journey of each patient, inviting the parent to collaborate with specialists to create the best treatment plan for their child.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
What types of craniofacial conditions does Shriners Children’s treat?
Shriners Children’s provides care for hundreds of craniofacial conditions and syndromes. The types of conditions we treat vary by location. These are conditions we commonly see in children:
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Differences in babies’ head shape and face shape
- Craniofacial anomalies associated with congenital syndromes such as 22q11.2 deletion, Crouzon, Apert, Pfieffer or Treacher-Collins.
- Chronic wounds (wounds that won't heal), such as pressure wounds
- Dog bites
- Hemangioma
Our plastic surgery team can also provide care for other conditions such as jaw deformities, vascular malformation/nevi, and hemangioma.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Will my child need surgery?
Not every child needs surgery. When surgery is recommended, it is carefully planned based on your child's condition, age and stage of growth. Many craniofacial differences may require multiple surgeries over time to improve how the face and head look and function.
How can craniofacial conditions affect speech, eating or breathing?
Depending on the condition, craniofacial differences may affect speaking, hearing, eating, breathing and other aspects of development. Shriners Children's specialists evaluate these needs and work together to support everyday function and healthy growth.
How is a craniofacial condition diagnosed?
Craniofacial conditions are diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that may include a physical exam and imaging such as facial and dental imaging. Children may also be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group of specialists depending on their condition and treatment needs.
At what age does craniofacial treatment begin?
Craniofacial care may begin in infancy and, for some children, continue as they grow. Shriners Children's also consults with families expecting a baby diagnosed in utero or adopting a child with a craniofacial difference.
How does Shriners Children's support families throughout the craniofacial care journey?
Shriners Children's uses a family-centered, team-based approach in which multiple specialists coordinate care, often seeing the child in one day. Families receive coordinated treatment planning, education, care management support and follow-up as the child grows.
At Shriners Children’s, families find internationally recognized craniofacial care, hope and compassion. Sometimes a new baby or adopted child has a difference in their smile or the shape of their face, nose or chin, known as a craniofacial (head and face) difference. Conditions can range from mild to severe.
Shriners Children’s specialists can help with the physical, social, emotional and developmental challenges that occur when a child has a congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later) condition. We provide a team approach at child-friendly facilities, where multiple specialists see the child all in one day. It is our goal to make medical care convenient and friendly for the child and parent.
We are proud that multiple Shriners Children’s locations are American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association approved teams. Our plastic surgeons have undergone additional training to evaluate and treat craniofacial conditions in children.
Because Shriners Children’s provides all care and services regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status, physicians and families are able to consider every appropriate treatment option available. Learn more below about the pediatric craniofacial conditions we treat and our commitment to the overall well-being of your child.
Specialized Care as Your Child Grows
Care for your child may begin and end in infancy, or continue until they are fully grown. Our doctors and specialists are even available to consult with parents who are adopting, or expecting a baby who has been diagnosed in utero, with a craniofacial difference; for example: cleft lip/cleft palate.
Many craniofacial differences will require multiple surgeries to improve the way a child’s face and head looks and functions. Our surgical techniques minimize visible scars and help patients enjoy a normal full life.
Plan Your Visit
Families are amazed that at Shriners Children's they see so many specialists in one place, all focused on their child. The craniofacial team meets together several days per week to coordinate treatment planning across the specialties, to help kids live their absolute best lives, no matter where they are in the course of treatment. Your child will likely see the entire team of specialists once or twice per year.
After checking in, you will be escorted to your exam room. All the specialists your child needs to see that day will come to you. This may include plastic surgeons, oral maxillofacial surgeons, ear, nose and throat doctors, psychologists, orthodontists and dentists, speech pathologists, pediatric nurses/nurse practitioners and clinical dietitians. Care managers (RNs and social workers) are available to help patients and families find resources they need during the child’s various stages of care.
Families should be prepared to spend several hours for full-team appointments. After each team appointment, you will receive a multidisciplinary team report to take to your child's doctors at home.
In some cases, telehealth appointments may be available to bring our specialty care to where you are.
The staff was so friendly and helpful. The Cleft/Craniofacial team provided all the information, support and level of specialized care that we were seeking.
Locations for Craniofacial care
View All Related LocationsShriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Giving Children Comfort and Coping Skills
Surgery and procedures can seem overwhelming to children. Child life specialists help patients understand what's happening. Using play and education, they help patients feel calm during medical care.
Services We Provide
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Facial and Dental Imaging
Shriners Children’s offers specialized facial and dental imaging (X-rays) for children with craniofacial differences. The painless process helps surgeons and doctors understand each child’s unique facial anatomy to plan treatment.
Dentistry
Shriners Children’s offers a multidisciplinary team to address your dental concerns related to a variety of craniofacial conditions. Our specialists will evaluate your child and provide an individualized care plan.
Speech Therapy
The speech therapy services available to patients at Shriners Children’s benefit children from birth through adolescence who have difficulties with communication and swallowing.
Care Management
The care management team at Shriners Children's consists of registered nurses and social workers who act as resources for families throughout their plan of care.
Psychiatry & Psychological Services
Our psychologists at Shriners Children's specialize in evaluating and providing support to children and their families who are adjusting to a new diagnosis or having difficulty in their everyday lives due to trauma.
School and Community Re-entry Program
Shriners Children’s offers educational services and re-entry programs to children who are receiving inpatient care for prolonged periods of time.
Related Treatments
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Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.