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 treatment
• Jaw repositioning surgery (Orthognathic surgery)
• Reconstructive surgery of the jawbones or facial bones due to cancer surgery or trauma
• Lengthening of the mouth and facial bones (Distraction Osteogenesis)
• Implant retained oral and facial prosthetics
• Dental implants
• Treatment of vascular or pigmented lesions, scar removal, and soft tissue recontouring
• Speech evaluation including instrumental assessment and functional assessment of nasal airway
• Speech therapy
• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Bone anchored hearing processors (Baha)
• Genetic evaluation/counseling
• Psychological testing and evaluation
• Psychological 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 team members and two and three dimensional digital x-rays and clinical photographs are taken as needed. The team then meets to review the findings and establish a treatment plan. This plan is 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. We make us of the latest digital imaging technology and computer-driven 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 national 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. Our patients find these organizations to be a great resource for information and assistance.

Appointments:

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

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