The Cleft/Craniofacial Clinic

In the Cleft/Craniofacial Clinic, patients born with cleft lip and/or palate and other congenital craniofacial conditions are seen for evaluation and treatment. Patients may be referred by their pediatrician, family practice physician, dentist, insurance carrier, healthcare agency or may contact The Center directly. Our team offers such specialized care as:

• Cleft lip and palate repair
• Helmet therapy for infants with development of an abnormal head shape
• Infant feeding therapy, swallowing evaluation and therapy
• Oral and facial orthopedics and nasal molding
• Orthodontics and jaw repositioning surgery
• Lengthening of the mouth and facial bones (Distraction Osteogenesis)
• Oral and facial prosthetics
• Implant prosthetics
• Laser surgery to treat vascular or pigmented lesions, remove scars, and reshape soft tissue
• Speech evaluation therapy including instrumental assessment
• Functional assessment of nasal airway
• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Genetic evaluation/counseling
• Psychological evaluation/counseling
• Craniofacial surgery
• Cosmetic/beauty consulting

At the initial visit, the patient receives a comprehensive team evaluation unless the referring doctor has designated the visit for a single or specific purpose or problem. Clinical examinations are performed by the team and x-rays and clinical photographs are taken as needed. The team meets to review the findings and establish a treatment plan. This plan is then presented and discussed with the patient, their family, and the referring source doctor. Once the plan has been accepted, treatment begins.

Because The Center is part of the University of Illinois Medical Center and has an extensive staff of experienced specialists, comprehensive care is available in a single, convenient location along with the latest technology and most up to date treatment techniques and procedures. Follow-up visits are scheduled at regular intervals so the team may evaluate progress and revise and update the treatment plan as needed.

The Center works with several support groups to provide educational materials to patients and their families and to allow them to network with others who share their problems, concerns, and experiences. Many of our patients find these local and national organizations to be a great resource for information and assistance.

Appointments
To schedule an appointment with the Cleft/Craniofacial Clinic, please call (312) 996-7546.