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Shriners Children’s is an internationally known leader in treating cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial differences.

At Shriners Children's, our medical team assesses each child's specific craniofacial (head and face) condition and develops a care plan based on that child's specific needs.

Our team of craniofacial specialists will be there for every part of your child’s treatment to help with the physical, social and emotional aspects that come with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial conditions. Shriners Children’s believes in turning hopes and dreams into reality and helping kids live their absolute best lives.

We treat any craniofacial condition, including the following:

  • Cleft lip
  • Cleft palate (including Robin sequence)
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Facial trauma/fractures
  • Craniofacial microsomia (including Hemifacial microsomia, Goldenhar’s syndrome)
  • Any ear condition (prominent ears, cupped ear, microtia)

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Facial clefts are the number one congenital condition treated by our board-certified plastic surgeons. Children who are born with this condition typically require care and monitoring for their entire childhood. Often, babies who are born with a cleft lip will also have a cleft palate, which is an opening in the roof of their mouth.

The cleft teams at Shriners Children’s understand that cleft lip and cleft palate can affect breathing, hearing, speaking, eating, and even self-esteem and emotional health. Our care team will develop a treatment plan for your child as they grow, which may include speech therapy, pediatric dental and orthodontic services, as well as nutritional services.

Everyone who has come into my life here and been involved with my treatment has made such an effort to build relationships with me so I feel comfortable with them.
Jennifer, Boston
mom holding cleft patient, three providers

A Comprehensive Approach to Craniofacial Care

Shriners Children’s offers advanced treatments and services for all of your child's craniofacial needs. This includes surgical care, dental and orthodontic related services and speech therapy.

Services We Provide

View All Related Services

Dental Radiology

Shriners Children's offers dental radiology which uses painless X-ray machines such as pan ceph and CBCT, to show surgeons 3D views of a child's jaw bone, teeth and other facial structures. This helps with evaluation and treatment planning.

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.

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.

Ear, Nose, Throat Services

Ear, nose and throat services, known as ENT, involve the care and treatment of a range of head and neck disorders. Many craniofacial conditions treated at Shriners Children's also involve ENT specialist care.

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.

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.

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.

Child Life Services

Child life professionals at Shriners Children’s take pride in focusing on the "above and beyond" aspects of medical care for our patients. From procedure support to camps, they are ready to advocate for your family.

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.