Are there different types of Cleft Palate?
Just as there are variations in the types of cleft lip, there are also different types of cleft palate. The palate forms the roof of the mouth, and extends from the gums just behind the lip to the uvula toward the back of the throat. Cleft palates may be Unilateral or Bilateral, depending on whether there is a gap on one side or both sides of the midline. The cleft may include just the front of the palate, just the back of the palate or the entire palate. What are the different types of Cleft Lip? When the cleft occurs on only one side of the upper lip, it is called a Unilateral Cleft Lip. When it occurs on both sides of the upper lip, it is called a Bilateral Cleft Lip. When the cleft results in a gap that goes all the way from the lip and mouth into the nose, it is called a Complete cleft. When the gap does not extend from the mouth all the way into the nose, it is called an Incomplete cleft. When the incomplete cleft is very minor (a groove or a notch), it is called a Microform clef
