give your child a smile they can be proud and confident with!

Cleft Lip / Palate is one of the leading birth defects in many developing countries with over 170 000 children born with Cleft Lip / Palate annually. As such it represents a global health care challenge and it is approximated that 1 in 700 children are born with this condition. It is an abnormality that occurs during the gestation period of the head in which certain parts of the face of the foetus do not fuse together. It is a complex medical condition for which the aetiology has not been categorically established. It does not exclude other anomalies and may be isolated or non-syndromic or occur as a component of a disease or syndrome which is syndromic.

Various medical complications result from this condition, especially since the deformity is in the facial region. These complications include dental abnormalities, malocclusion, malformations of the face and nose, feeding, respiratory, hearing, and speech problems. The psychological and social impact is also detrimental to normal childhood development.

Various levels of advanced, multi – tiered and multidisciplinary services by a team of healthcare professionals is required to treat this condition and spans the period from diagnosis to early adulthood.

If you would like more information or would like to make an appointment, get in touch.

The Durban North Smile Center is the first Cleft Care Center in Kwa – Zulu Natal and has been set up to deal with the services required to Cleft Lip / Palate.

Below are some of the problems associated with Cleft Lip / Palate.

  • Difficulty feeding – Babies born with Cleft Lip / Palate may be unable to breastfeed or feed from a normal bottle because they can’t form a good seal with their mouth.
  • Hearing problems – Babies with a Cleft Lip / Palate are more vulnerable to ear infections and a build-up of fluid in their ears, which adversely affects their hearing
  • Dental problems – Having a Cleft Lip / Palate means that a child’s teeth don’t develop correctly, and they are at a higher risk of tooth decay.
  • Speech problems – Having a Cleft Lip / Palate can lead to speech problems such as unclear or nasal-sounding speech.
  • Facial development – a lack of structure within causes the nose to flatten, negatively affecting the child’s facial profile.

Audiology

We assess and treat hearing, balance, and related disorders with the expertise of professional audiologists, helping you reconnect with the world around you.
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Oral Hygiene

Our oral hygienists use an interdisciplinary approach to maintain your dental health through preventative care, professional cleaning, and patient education.
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Physiotherapy

Our physiotherapist helps restore movement and function through evidence-based physical therapy, supporting recovery, strength, and mobility.
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Cleft Care

We provide comprehensive cleft care for children and families, from early feeding support to surgical planning, speech therapy, and long-term care coordination.
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Orthodontics

Our orthodontic care focuses on correcting facial and dental irregularities through braces, aligners, and other treatments for both children and adults.
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Psychology

We offer compassionate, evidence-based psychological care to support mental health, emotional resilience, and personal growth across all stages of life.
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X-Ray Imaging

On-site diagnostic imaging enables quick, accurate insights using advanced X-ray technology to support dental and medical diagnoses.
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Dentistry

Our dentists are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth, from routine check-ups to complex restorative care.
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Periodontics

Our periodontists specialise in gum disease prevention and treatment, as well as the placement of dental implants for long-term oral health.
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Speech Therapy

Our speech-language pathologists support patients with communication, language, and swallowing challenges, creating individualised care plans for every age.
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CHANGING LIVES. THE WENTWORTH FOUNDATION

Home to the Wentworth Foundation, creating Smiles for Africa by providing lifechanging care for children with facial and dental irregularities.

We are proud to be home to the Wentworth Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting indigent children with cleft lip/palate through comprehensive care and community outreach.