Specialized, Team-Based Treatment for Lifelong Smiles
At Inner Smiles Orthodontics, we are proud to be part of the multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Team at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs. Dr. Sheila is a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) and serves on the clinical faculty of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology.
Her expertise and commitment to team-based care allow us to deliver coordinated, evidence-based treatment to patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions.
When Is Orthognathic Surgery Recommended?
Orthognathic surgery may be indicated when the jaws are out of alignment, even if the teeth themselves appear straight. This may be due to genetics, growth discrepancies, trauma, or congenital conditions like cleft palate. Common goals of treatment include:
- Improving facial balance and profile
- Correcting a severe overbite or underbite
- Closing an open bite (when the front teeth don’t touch)
- Expanding a narrow upper jaw
- Addressing facial asymmetry
- Correcting congenital facial malformations (e.g., cleft conditions)
- Replacing degenerative jaw joints (TMJ)
- Relieving obstructive sleep apnea by improving the airway
In many cases, a single surgery can achieve multiple improvements in function, health, and appearance. Dr. Sheila will walk you through before-and-after examples of similar cases to help you feel confident in your care plan.
Why Team-Based Cleft Care Matters
Scientific research shows that cleft care is safest and most effective when delivered by an experienced craniofacial team. When treatment is fragmented or mistimed, it can lead to long-term complications and missed opportunities. That’s why our team-based model includes specialists in:
- Otolaryngology (ENT)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Speech Therapy
- Audiology
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Craniofacial Surgery and Genetics (Aurora campus)
Together, we develop a unified plan to guide your child’s treatment from birth through young adulthood.
What to Expect: Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Timeline
Prenatal
Before Birth: Consultation with the team after a prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound
Infancy (Birth to 12 Months)
- 0–3 Months: Address feeding or breathing difficulties, perform hearing screenings, and begin NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) if needed
- 3–6 Months: Cleft lip repair (cheiloplasty)
- 6–12 Months: Cleft palate repair (palatoplasty)
Toddler to Early Childhood (1–6 Years)
- Continued speech, hearing, and developmental evaluations
- Pediatric dental care
- Periodic ENT management (ear tubes are common)
School Age (7–10 Years)
- Expansion of the upper jaw with orthodontic appliances
- Alveolar bone graft to join cleft segments and stabilize teeth
- Closure of oronasal fistulas if present
- Early alignment of crowded or rotated teeth
- Preparation for future jaw growth guidance
Adolescence (11–17 Years)
- Skeletal anchorage and orthopedic jaw correction for underbites (typically around age 11)
- Full orthodontic treatment when permanent teeth are in
- Annual cleft team evaluations
- Lip and nose revision surgeries if needed
Young Adulthood (18+)
- Final orthodontic and surgical corrections, including jaw surgery if necessary
- Restoration of missing teeth with implants or prosthetics
We know this timeline can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not in this alone. Our team walks with you every step of the way. We’ll help coordinate each phase of care and ensure nothing falls through the cracks—because timing matters, and your child’s health and confidence are worth getting right.
Our team also supports families navigating military coverage (EFMP), public insurance, and other assistance programs. You focus on your child—we’ll handle the logistics.
Why Families Choose Inner Smiles
Since 2007, our practice has supported children and families affected by cleft and craniofacial differences with
compassionate, expert care. Dr. Sheila sees every patient personally, and we believe in:
- It Takes a Team: We coordinate with the full cleft team and your family to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Best Results, Least Intervention: Our care is grounded in research, tailored to your child, and
always thoughtfully timed.
From your first visit, we’re here to listen, explain, and support. With access to advanced technology, decades of
experience, and hospital affiliations, we provide top-tier cleft orthodontics right here in Colorado Springs.
Ready to Take the First Step?
To experience our 5-star-rated care, schedule your Complimentary Assessment by calling (719) 268-7138 or providing your information in the chat. Your initial consultation includes:
- A warm welcome and conversation with Dr. Sheila
- Clinical exam and photos
- A review of your child’s treatment needs and timing
- A look at similar cleft care cases
- Insurance and scheduling review with our friendly front office team
Let us be part of your child’s cleft journey. Together, we’ll help them grow into their strongest, healthiest smile.
