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Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Therapy in Dubai

Is your baby facing challenges with feeding or finding their voice?

A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate) that is present from birth. This happens because parts of a baby’s face do not join together properly during development in the womb. While this can be an emotional discovery for parents, the majority of children treated for a cleft grow up to lead completely normal, healthy lives.

At Esperanza, our DHA-licensed therapists understand the unique journey of “cleft families” in Dubai. We provide a calm, expert, and parent-inclusive space to support your child’s feeding, hearing, and speech development from infancy through to their school years.

What does a Cleft Lip and Palate look like?

Every child’s journey is different. A cleft can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).

  • Cleft Lip: This can range from a small, subtle notch in the lip to a wide gap that reaches the nose.
  • Cleft Palate: This may be an opening only at the back of the mouth (the soft palate), or a split that runs all the way to the front.
  • The “Hidden” Cleft: Sometimes, a cleft palate is hidden by the lining of the roof of the mouth (a submucous cleft), which might only be noticed when speech or feeding challenges arise.

Common Signs & Challenges in Children

A cleft can cause several functional issues, particularly in the first few months. In Dubai’s busy, multicultural landscape, addressing these early ensures your child stays on track.

  • Feeding Difficulties: Because they cannot form a good “seal” with their mouth, babies may struggle to breastfeed or use a standard bottle.
  • Hearing & Glue Ear: Children with a cleft palate are more vulnerable to ear infections and a build-up of fluid (glue ear). We monitor this closely to ensure it doesn’t affect their speech development.
  • Speech Clarity: If a cleft is not monitored or repaired, it can lead to “nasal-sounding” or unclear speech, which can affect a child’s confidence in Dubai’s nurseries and schools.
  • Dental Health: A cleft can affect how adult teeth develop. Our team works alongside dental specialists to ensure long-term oral health.

Why Did This Happen? (Understanding the Causes)

It is important to remember: It is very unlikely to have been caused by anything you did or did not do during pregnancy. While the exact reason is often unclear, experts believe it is a combination of:

  • Genetic Factors: A small percentage of cases are inherited (a 2–8% chance of recurrence in future siblings).
  • Environmental Factors: Factors such as a lack of folic acid, smoking, or certain medications during early pregnancy can contribute.
  • Associated Conditions: In some cases, a cleft is part of a wider condition like Pierre Robin sequence or 22q11 deletion syndrome. Our therapists are experienced in supporting children with these complex needs.

Why Families in Dubai Choose Esperanza

  • Senior Clinical Expertise: Our therapists have over 8 years of experience in cleft-related speech and feeding challenges.
  • Parent-Inclusive Sessions: We believe the “real” therapy happens at home. We train you in gentle, evidence-based strategies to support your child daily.
  • Central Dubai Location: Located in Al Karama (Zomorrodah Building), we are easily accessible for families from Bur Dubai, Oud Metha, Jumeirah, and Downtown.
  • Ethical & Transparent: We offer a “First Steps” consultation—a low-pressure way to get professional insight without the obligation of a long-term contract.

Take the Next Step with Esperanza

If you are navigating a new diagnosis or preparing for your child’s next stage of development, we are here to help.

  • Book a First Steps Consultation: Meet our therapists in Al Karama to discuss your child’s speech, feeding, or hearing.


 WhatsApp us today for a chat: +971555241094

Frequently Asked Questions: Cleft Lip and Palate Care in the UAE

While often mentioned together as cleft lip and palate, they are actually two separate developmental differences. A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip, while a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. Because the lip and palate develop at different times during pregnancy, a cleft palate baby may be born with one or both conditions.

Yes, hare lip or harelip are older, traditional terms once used to describe a cleft lip. However, in modern clinical settings in Dubai and internationally, we use the term “cleft lip.” This shift in language reflects a more respectful, person-centred approach that focuses on the child as an individual rather than a physical trait.

Every child’s medical journey is unique, but generally, cleft palate surgery is performed when a baby is between 6 and 12 months old. This timing is chosen to help the child develop the “pressure” needed for early speech sounds. Cleft lip repair often happens earlier, usually between 3 and 6 months. At Esperanza, we provide specialized therapy both before and after these milestones to support your child’s progress.

It is common for children with a cleft palate to have a nasal quality to their speech. This happens because the “trapdoor” at the back of the throat (the soft palate) may not yet be closing fully to stop air from escaping through the nose. Our therapists in Al Karama specialize in play-based exercises to help children learn to direct air through their mouths, improving clarity for school and social life.

  • Feeding is often the first concern for parents. Because a cleft can make it hard for a baby to create a seal, they may struggle with suction. In the UAE, we support families using specialized feeding techniques and bottles (such as the Haberman feeder) to ensure your baby thrives. We recommend a “First Steps” consultation early on to establish a comfortable feeding routine.

Clefts are among the most common birth differences worldwide. In Dubai’s diverse population, we see families from all backgrounds seeking support. Whether the cause is genetic or environmental, our focus at Esperanza is on providing a supportive, ethical environment where your child can develop the communication skills they need to succeed in Dubai’s competitive school systems.

A cleft that involves the gum line can sometimes affect how adult teeth grow in. Your child may need orthodontic treatment or a “bone graft” later in childhood (usually between ages 6 and 10). We work closely with Dubai’s leading dentists to ensure your child’s speech and dental care are perfectly aligned.

The best support is a pressure-free environment! At Esperanza, we teach parents “focused stimulation” and “labeled praise.” By focusing on what your child can say rather than correcting what they can’t, you build the confidence they need to keep trying.

While “garter” is not a formal medical term for a cleft, it is often used by families to describe the elasticated headgear, bonnets, or specialized tapes used to support a baby before their first surgery.

In Dubai, where families have access to world-class neonatal care, many babies are fitted with a NAM (Nasoalveolar Molding) device. This device is often held in place by small elastic bands and tapes that look like tiny “garters” or “straps.”

Yes, often parents use the term “garter” to describe the elastic bands and headgear used to hold pre-surgical molding devices in place. These tools are incredible for shaping your baby’s nose and lip before their first operation. While it can look a little overwhelming at first, these “garters” are painless and play a vital role in achieving the best possible surgical outcome. At Esperanza, we offer a “First Steps” consultation to help you manage these devices with confidence and ease.

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 In your free 60-minute consultation, you’ll meet a licensed therapist who will listen, observe, and create a personalised growth plan — giving you clarity and hope for the journey ahead.

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