Cleft lip may be mild with just a notch in the upper lip or may it be severe causing a big gaping hole connected with the nostril. If one side is affected it is termed unilateral cleft lip and if both sides are affected it is called bilateral cleft lip. It may be an incomplete cleft lip affecting only the lip or a complete one affecting the lip as well as the alveolar arch that is the upper jaw that holds the teeth sockets. Cleft palate may affect only the front part of the hard roof of the mouth or the hard palate of involve the back part as well called the soft palate near the throat. A cleft palate alone, without accompanying cleft lip, is difficult to spot at first and may be noticed much later after birth especially if it is small.
.
