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Cleft lip, jaw, palate and nose
Successful therapy of CLP malformations
Malformations of the lips, jaw, palate or nose, also known as cleft lip and palate, lead to functional disorders that significantly impair eating, drinking, speaking and breathing. Children with lip, jaw, palate and nose malformations (LKGN malformations) are treated specifically at ISST Unna. The ISST offers a special therapy to accompany and supplement necessary surgical interventions, which effectively helps to correct these functional disorders.
What are CLP malformations?
Lip, jaw, palate and nose malformations (CLP malformations, often also referred to as cleft lip and palate) are congenital abnormalities in which the structures in the mouth, jaw or facial area are not fully formed during embryonic development. Physiognomically, these malformations are characterised by visible clefts or deformities in the face, particularly in the area of the lips, jaw and palate. Physiologically, they lead to considerable functional disorders: Affected children have difficulty eating, drinking, speaking and breathing. The malformations impair nasal breathing, correct phonation and the function of the soft palate. This can lead to problems such as ear infections, hearing disorders and delayed speech development.
Treatment methods at ISST
Speech therapy and speech therapy treatments at ISST are carried out in close professional and timely coordination with the responsible pediatrician, oral surgeon, orthodontist, ENT specialist and dentist. Early nutritional advice and manual stimulation treatments are followed by functional exercise treatments. Two innovative methods in particular are used with great success in the treatment of functional disorders associated with LKGN malformations: Treatment with Oral Stimulation Plates (OSP) and the use of FaceFormer Therapy (FFT). This is followed by breathing and voice exercises, perception training, articulation training, as well as balance and body tension training.
Therapy calendar
Treatment with oral stimulation plates (OSP)
OSP therapy is based on the stimulus-response principle. Special palatal plates with integrated stimulators are used to stimulate the natural movements of the tongue and surrounding muscles. This method is particularly suitable for very young children as it does not require conscious co-operation. The plates are used several times a day for 30-60 minutes and help to promote correct tongue and mouth function.
Oral stimulation plates
FaceFormer therapy
FaceFormer therapy aims to strengthen and train the muscles in the mouth, throat and face area. A special training device, the FaceFormer, is used for this. The therapy consists of passive and active exercises:
- Passive exercises: The FaceFormer is placed in the mouth and ensures that harmful habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing are prevented. The mouth area is shielded and the lips react with natural movements that train the muscles.
- Active exercises: The children perform specific exercises that strengthen the muscles in the mouth, face and throat. This improves tongue posture, nasal breathing and swallowing function.
FaceFormer forward pull exercise
Advantages of the therapy
Early treatment and the combination of surgical interventions with these functional exercise therapies lead to optimal development of the affected children. By integrating these methods, speech development is supported and the children can eat, drink and breathe better. The effectiveness of these therapies has already been scientifically proven and has been tried and tested in practice.
Professional support
With FaceFormer therapy and oral stimulation plates, ISST Unna offers effective support for children with CLP malformations. The combination of surgical interventions and targeted exercises significantly improves the functionality of the mouth, jaw and facial area, resulting in a significantly better quality of life for the affected children.
Parents and specialists find professional support at the ISST and can rely on qualified treatment.
Video – CLP Podcast
In the CLP Podcast, Dr. Hubert Koch and Dr. Klaus Berndsen talk about the challenges and treatment options for lip, jaw and palate malformations. Find out how early diagnosis, specialized surgical procedures and interdisciplinary cooperation help affected children to lead a normal life. The two experts explain why the right sequence of treatments is so important.
The video offers valuable insights for parents and anyone interested in learning more about the options and challenges in the successful treatment of CLP malformations.
Dr. Klaus Berndsen from ISST Unna and Dr. Hubertus Koch from Charité Berlin discussing the treatment of lip, jaw and palate malformations (CLP).
Get professional support for your child
Malformations of the lips, jaw, palate and nose are complex and require holistic care. Let our experienced team of therapists advise you at an early stage on how we can best support your child on their journey.
Use our contact form to arrange a personal consultation.
Our team will get in touch with you immediately. Together we will find the right therapy options for your child’s individual needs.
Further information
Berndsen/Berndsen published a pioneering article in the journal Gesichter back in 2006. There you can learn more about CLP malformations and their successful treatment.
Neue Möglichkeiten zur Behandlung von Funktionsstörungen bei Lippen-, Kiefer-, Gaumen-, Nasenfehlbildungen (LKGN-Fehlbildungen): FaceFormer-Therapie (FFT) und Orale-Stimulations-Platten (OSP).
Berndsen, K.; Berndsen, S.: In: Gesichter, Heft 1, Hrsg. Wolfgang Rosenthal Gesellschaft, Hüttenberg , April 2006, 18. Jg., S.2-7
