Teeth

A CLP can produce a variety of dental problems. The problems may involve the number, size, shape and position of the teeth. These problems do not only affect the baby teeth but it is also possible that the CLP will have an effect on the permanent teeth. The teeth that will be most affected are the teeth in the area of the cleft, primarily the lateral incisors. The effect of CLP on the teeth depends on the kind of cleft. Most of the time the teeth in the area of the cleft will be displaced, resulting into abnormal positions of the teeth, missing teeth and malformed teeth. The dentist is familiar with the needs of the child with a cleft (Chiles, 2012).