Cleft Palate Orthodontics in Elk Grove
Navigating your child's care for a cleft lip and palate involves a team of dedicated specialists, and an orthodontist plays a vital role in that journey. At Elk Grove Orthodontics, Dr. Matthew Sandretti and Dr. Rollofson provide compassionate, expert orthodontic care for children with cleft palate, ensuring each child can achieve a healthy, functional, and confident smile. We work closely with families from Elk Grove, Sheldon, Wilton, and Laguna to create a coordinated treatment plan that supports your child from infancy through their teenage years.
Our practice is committed to a patient-first philosophy, combining advanced technology with a warm, welcoming environment. We understand the unique challenges associated with cleft palate and are here to guide you every step of the way.
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What Is a Cleft Palate and Why Is Orthodontics So Important?
A cleft lip and palate are common birth conditions that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form completely during pregnancy. These openings can affect the roof of the mouth (palate) and the upper lip.
Orthodontic treatment is essential for children with a cleft palate for several key reasons:
- Guiding Jaw Growth: A cleft can impact the development of the upper jaw. Orthodontics helps guide growth and ensure the upper and lower jaws align correctly.
- Aligning Teeth: Teeth near the cleft area may be missing, malformed, or out of position. An orthodontist works to create space for all adult teeth and align them properly.
- Improving Bite Function: A well-aligned bite is crucial for chewing and speaking clearly.
- Preparing for Surgery: Orthodontic treatment is often needed to prepare the dental arches for bone grafting surgery, a common procedure to close the gap in the gum line.
As your orthodontist for cleft palate in Elk Grove, our goal is to be a consistent, supportive partner in your child's multidisciplinary care team, working alongside surgeons, ENTs, and speech therapists.
The Timing of Cleft Palate Orthodontic Care
Treatment is a carefully timed process that adapts to your child’s growth and development. It typically happens in distinct stages.
Phase I: Early Orthodontic Treatment (Infancy to Early Childhood)
This initial phase, often called early orthodontic treatment, focuses on guiding the growth of the upper jaw before all permanent teeth have come in. The primary goal is to widen the upper arch to create a better relationship with the lower jaw and make space for erupting teeth. This often involves using a palatal expander to gently widen the upper jaw segments.
Phase II: Comprehensive Treatment (Adolescence)
Once most of the permanent teeth have emerged, Phase II treatment begins. This is when we focus on achieving the final alignment of the teeth and perfecting the bite. This comprehensive phase ensures a functional, stable, and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
Advanced Treatment Options for Your Child
Elk Grove Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology and proven techniques to provide the best possible outcomes. Your child's personalized plan may include:
- Palatal Expanders: Custom-fit appliances used to gradually widen the upper jaw.
- Partial or Full Braces: Traditional braces are highly effective for managing the complex tooth movements often required in cleft palate cases.
- Invisalign Teen: For some less complex cases or as a finishing step, Invisalign may be an appropriate and convenient option.
- Advanced Tools: We utilize the iTero digital scanner for precise, comfortable 3D impressions without the messy putty. For certain bite corrections, we may use efficient tools like the Forsus appliance to promote lower jaw growth and improve alignment.
Supporting Speech, Feeding, and Airway Health
The structure of the mouth directly impacts essential functions like eating and speaking. Our orthodontic work is performed in close collaboration with your child's speech therapist to ensure treatment supports clear speech development. By properly aligning the jaws and teeth, we also help create a more open airway, which is vital for healthy breathing and sleep.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first consultation is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your child. We will conduct a gentle and thorough examination, take diagnostic records like photos and digital scans, and discuss your child's medical history. Dr. Sandretti or Dr. Rollofson will explain their initial findings and answer all of your questions. This is a conversation, and our priority is to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in the path forward.
Financing and Insurance
We believe that exceptional care should be accessible. Our team is here to help you navigate your insurance benefits and create a flexible payment plan that fits your family's budget. Your forever smile is within reach, and we're here to make it stress-free.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Matthew Sandretti
"Ultimately, orthodontics is about people. My first priority is always the health and happiness of my patients. I strive to build strong relationships with each, fostering direct and open communication."
Dr. Rollofson
"My unwavering focus is the well-being and health of those in my care. Through fostering relationships rich in trust and respect, I'm committed to fostering an environment where open communication thrives."
What Our Patients Say
"Every time I take my daughter to her appointments the staff is always friendly and excited to help. The dental hygienist remembers her and talks to her like they are friends.” - Adrinne L.
