Cleft Palette, Underbite, Orthodontist Question

I'd say they'll start doing stuff now. Her jaw could be growing now. I now kids that are 7 and 8 are getting bionaters and other devices to stretch their jaw bones gradually so when they get to the point their jaw stops growing it will be the right size. She could have an extender tool now or in the next couple of years when her adult teeth start coming in is more likely.

It sounds like she needs to have some corrective surgery now on her palette. Poor kiddo. She's going to have so much to bear. But if she doesn't do it as needed it will be too much for her to go through as an adult.

I'd plan on taking her to a dental college for as much of the work as possible if it's cheaper than this doc is quoting.

I would also imagine all the surgery would fall under health insurance and not dental. That would be a huge help of course.

Neither of my children has a cleft palate, but both of them have required orthodontics (jaw expanders, straightening their teeth, etc.). The cost for orthodontics is around $6K, and usually isn't covered by insurance. In your daughter's case, however, it might be covered since she has a congenital defect. It would be worth calling your insurer to ask some detailed questions. Jaw expansion for typical kids can start as soon as they start getting some adult teeth in (so, anywhere from 5-8 years old). Again, with your daughter they may need to start sooner. It is not painful for children to have their jaw expanded while they're still growing, and you can't even see the expander from the front (it goes behind the teeth), but you do have to keep on top of dental hygiene very carefully. Usually, full-on braces don't happen until the child loses the last of her baby teeth (so, around ages 11-13), and ideally before the child stops growing (it's less painful while they're growing).

As far as surgeries go for cleft palate, I'm not sure about that. Hopefully someone can chime in who has direct experience. I would certainly get second and third opinions from several surgeons.

I will say, though, that I really would not go to a dental college. This is your child's mouth that she has to live with for the rest of her life. Get it done right. Find out what special programs would pay for, then call your insurance company to find out what portion they will cover. Your out-of-pocket cost might not be as big as you think. I really would not go bargain-basement in this case. Just my opinion.

Go to a dental college where pre med students practice. Those are much cheaper. Good luck.

My son had an overbite and needed his jaw moved. We went to an orthodontist in West Hills. My niece went to the same ortho for her underbite - which was a different procedure than my son had.

We started when he was 9 (he is 11 now) He was given a Herbst implant to move his jaw. The earlier you start the faster the jaw moves - it moved very quickly and now his jaw is in the right place. It cost about $3600 for the Herbst and then another $3600 for the braces to make the teeth even. He'll be done before he is 13.

I don't know the cost of fixing a cleft palette. That is probably more involved than what we did.

Good luck!