The cleft treatment you receive during your teen years will depend on your unique needs and desires. It is common for teens born with cleft lip and/or palate to undergo treatment for their teeth and jaws. Some teens consider surgery for their upper lip and their nose. Some undergo treatment for their speech, as well. And some will pursue treatment for aspects of their mental health. Because you are unique, your path will be individualized.

The teenage years are also an appropriate time to increase your independence when it comes to your health decisions. Research shows that sharing in the decision-making about your care can increase your feelings of confidence about your decisions and improve your mental health and well-being.

If you have questions about what to expect from cleft care during your teen years, be sure to talk with members of your cleft team and/or with other trusted adults. And click through, below, to learn more.

Citations:

Boss EF, Mehta N, Nagarajan N. Shared decision making and choice for elective surgical care: a systematic review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;154(3):405–420.

Wogden F, Norman A, Dibben L. Treatment Choice in Adolescents With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: The Importance of Shared Decision-Making. The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal. 2019;56(9):1220-1229. doi:10.1177/1055665619848256