Patients and Families
Smile Train aims to support cleft-affected families worldwide by creating, connecting, and sharing resources about comprehensive cleft care.
![Mirian in a family photo](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/3_2__720x480/public/2021-02/mirian-with-family.jpg?itok=M1ijefHo)
Comprehensive Cleft Care Areas
Explore our site to find invaluable advice and resources.
![Smile Train Patient doing homework](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/cleft-care-at-home.jpg?itok=vIEQE2AW)
Cleft Care at Home
Comprehensive cleft care does not only happen at your local Smile Train partner treatment center. It is so important for children and caretakers to have access to resources related to their cleft care at home. Smile Train is dedicated to creating a variety of resources to meet every need.
![a boy from Kenya with untreated cleft](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/diagnosis-understanding-cleft.jpg?itok=S1v-_32Z)
Understanding Cleft
Families should consult their local cleft team for information on the possible causes of their child's cleft.
![Child with a cleft on a scale](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/feeding-and-nutrition.jpg?itok=s6Ya5gM6)
Feeding and Nutrition
Because clefts can affect children's ability to suck and swallow, nutrition services are essential to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
![Doctor holds baby after cleft surgery](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate-surgery.jpg?itok=jyb3uYlh)
Surgery
Cleft lip surgery can happen as early as age three months and cleft palate surgery at nine months.
![ENT looks in child's ear](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/hearing-services.jpg?itok=-an52lVz)
Hearing Services
Children with cleft palates are susceptible to hearing loss. Early screenings and simple treatments such as ear tubes are important preventative services.
![Smile Train orthodontic patient Argentina](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/dental-and-orthodontic-services.jpg?itok=PzC-fU-9)
Dental and Orthodontics
Clefts increase susceptibility to dental anomalies and malposition, increasing risks for tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to start early with pediatric dental care involving caregivers and trained professionals.
![Cleft speech therapy session in Indonesia](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/speech-therapy-indonesia.jpg?itok=z7SUcn0r)
Speech Services
Clefts can hamper the development of speech and language habits. Caregivers should receive early guidance on how to work with their child at home, and children should be screened regularly to see if they require therapy.
![Smile Train doctor next to his happy patient](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/counseling-and-support.jpg?itok=eDvkXdSz)
Counseling and Support
It is important for families to work alongside their cleft team to address any challenges so their children can develop confidence and self-esteem.
![Smile Train patient on bus](/https/www.smiletrain.org/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/financial-aid-for-patients.jpg?itok=HJfbeYDB)
Financial Assistance
Cleft care can be expensive.
Value of Comprehensive Cleft Care
The Journey
A child's journey to a healthy live starts with a smileā¦but that can only be the beginning. Access to comprehensive care gives children with clefts the best chance at a healthy, productive life.
Comprehensive Cleft Care
Comprehensive cleft care ensures that all aspects of a child's physical and emotional health are attended to throughout their life.
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Comprehensive cleft care brings cleft professionals from different disciplines together to offer treatment in the most impactful and cost-effective way, not only for the child, but also their family.
Help advance Smile Train's lifesaving work around the world.