Cleft Lip and Palate Care In Colorado Springs, CO

Caring for a child with a cleft lip and palate can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents, but you’re not alone. At Otter Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ken Otterstedt and his trusted network of specialists in Colorado Springs, CO are here to walk with you every step of the way, offering guidance, education, and compassionate support.

As your child’s pediatric dentist, Dr. Ken works closely with Colorado Springs’ most experienced craniofacial team to ensure that dental health, speech, facial development, and orthodontics are addressed at the right time and in the right way.

Team-Based Cleft Care From Experts In Colorado Springs

Scientific research shows that children with cleft lip and palate have significantly better outcomes when treated by a team of specialists. This collaborative approach ensures that every stage of treatment, dental, surgical, speech, and developmental, is carefully timed and integrated into one comprehensive care plan.

Dr. Ken’ partners directly with Dr. Bentele and Dr. Sheila Soroushian, both leading orthodontists who serves on the cleft care team at Inner Smiles Orthodontics. For oral surgery needs, his trusted partners are Dr. Donald Hull and Dr. Ron Thoman. The team also includes surgeons, audiologists, speech and occupational therapists, and social workers who work together to make care seamless for Colorado Springs families.

Together, we make sure you never feel like you’re navigating this journey alone.

Dr. Ken’s Approach To Cleft Lip and Palate Care

Dr. Ken serves as a caring and consistent part of your child’s care team throughout the cleft lip and palate care process. He helps monitor your child’s oral development, ensure proper timing for orthodontic intervention, and guide your family toward the right specialists at each milestone.

As a trusted pediatric dentist, he also ensures that your child’s everyday dental needs are being met, from regular cleanings to monitoring tooth eruption, so that your child stays healthy and confident in their smile.

Compassionate Craniofacial Support for Military Families

Located near Fort Carson, Otter Kids Pediatric Dentistry proudly supports our local military families. Dr. Ken and his team understand the additional challenges that come with military life and help coordinate cleft lip and palate care through programs like the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and other public assistance options.

Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Timeline

Each child’s needs are different, but our cleft lip and palate care team in Colorado Springs generally follows this timeline:

Prenatal

Meet with the cleft team after cleft diagnosis on ultrasound.

Birth–3 months

Evaluate breathing, feeding, and hearing. May begin NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) to shape the upper jaw before surgery.

3–6 months

Cleft lip repair (cheiloplasty surgery).

6–12 months

Cleft palate repair (palatoplasty surgery).

1–6 years

Routine monitoring. Pediatric dental visits, speech therapy, audiology, ear tubes, and other interventions as needed.

7–10 years

Orthodontic planning, palate repairs (oronasal fistula), and alveolar bone graft surgery to strengthen the upper jaw.

Age 11

Jaw movement for severe underbites using skeletal anchorage.

Age 12–14

Routine orthodontics to align permanent teeth.

Age 14–17

Continued assessments for dental and developmental needs.

Age 17–21

Orthodontics in coordination with facial surgeries (orthognathic surgery).

Age 18+

Replacement of missing teeth and cosmetic restorations.

Parents, you don’t need to memorize this timeline. Dr. Ken and the cleft care team will guide you every step of the way, helping you stay on track and confident in your child’s care.

Let’s Tackle Cleft Lip and Palate Care Together

If your child has been diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate, we know how overwhelming those first few months can feel. Dr. Ken and our team in Colorado Springs are here to offer compassionate guidance, answer your questions, and help your child thrive.

Call Otter Kids Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to be part of your child’s dental care team and look forward to supporting your family with honesty, heart, and expert care every step of the way.

Cleft Lip and Palate FAQs for Parents

What causes cleft lip and palate?

Cleft lip and palate occur when the tissue of the lip or roof of the mouth doesn’t fully join during development. This can be due to genetic or environmental factors and may appear on its own or as part of a larger syndrome.

Will my child need multiple surgeries?

Yes, children with cleft lip and palate typically require multiple surgeries and orthodontic treatments over time to support facial development, speech, and dental alignment.

What role does a pediatric dentist play in cleft care?

Dr. Ken provides regular dental checkups, monitors tooth eruption, and works closely with the cleft care team to ensure orthodontic treatments are timed properly. He’s your long-term partner for dental health throughout the cleft treatment process.

What specialists are on the cleft care team?

The team includes an orthodontist, pediatric dentist, surgeons (oral-maxillofacial and plastic), audiologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker, otolaryngologist, and more.

How can I manage all the appointments and specialists?

You won’t have to do it alone. The cleft lip and palate care team at Children’s Hospital Colorado has a system in place to coordinate care, keep families informed, and connect you with support resources like case managers and social workers.

Does Otter Kids Pediatric Dentistry accept Medicaid or military insurance?

Yes, we accept Medicaid, Tricare, and most major insurances to make cleft care accessible for all families in Colorado Springs.