As your young adult transitions from pediatric to adult care, our team will work with you to make the transition as easy as possible.  

  • You can always return to the cleft palate and craniofacial team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital or another local children’s hospital with an ACPA (American Cleft Palate Association) cleft team for any future needs. 
  • Cleft palate care is typically complete by the time a patient reaches full adulthood. 
  • If necessary, some adults may require additional treatments to address on-going concerns.  Common concerns include: 
    • Lip scarring
    • Nasal deformity (which may obstruct breathing)
    • Crooked teeth
    • Jaw misalignment (upper and lower teeth don’t meet together properly)
    • Speech problems requiring specially-trained speech pathologist who specializes in care of patients with cleft lip and/or palate. 
    • Emotional issues related to cleft palate such as embarrassment 
    • Trouble sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea).  For some adults with cleft palate grow older or gain weight, they may develop a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea.  Patients who have had a pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty are more likely to have sleep issues. Those with obstructive sleep apnea may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, increased irritability, and waking up frequently at night.
    • Hearing: Even if your hearing seems fine, you should continue to have a well-person/well-ear check every few years with an ENT trained in cleft palate.  If you have a recent history of ear tubes, significant ear retraction, or eardrum perforation, you should be seen every 6 months-1 year). Your ENT may also refer you to an audiologist to obtain updated hearing information, especially if there are any concerns. If you have any hearing devices (hearing aids, bone-anchored hearing aids, etc), continue routine follow-up with your managing audiologist.  
  • You can find notes on your care via MyChart.
  • New approaches and treatments may become available over time.
  • Genetic counseling can determine the chance of having an infant born with a cleft.
  • Financial support: States and Insurance plans all have different rules for coverage. The hospital’s Cleft Palate team social worker can usually help find the best options for you.
  • More information can be found at the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association website including a helpful brochure about adult care.