The Darling Girls

The Darling Girls

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Kelly's Teeth

Lost another tooth!

In March we saw the CHOC Craniofacial-Cleft Team, for Kelly's annual appointment.  This is a 3+ hour long appointment with about 8 specialist, all on the team that treats Cleft kids. Kelly's appointment went well, with no surprises.  We are in a "holding pattern" for a few months.

She will continue to see her Speech Therapists (1x week for an hour privately and 2x week at school for 30 min.) which we expected.

One of her ear tubes is out, so that will be watched, not necessarily replaced at the moment.  I was pleased to hear the ENT wasn't in a hurry to replace it, like the last time they came out (this is her third set).  Most Cleft kids have tubes much longer than typical kids, sometimes having tubes forever, as the cleft issues can effect hearing dramatically.   We'll revisit this in July when she has another hearing test.

She will need to start Orthodontics in the next year or so, and that will be our next, big, challenge.  Cleft palate can have a HUGE impact on the placement of the teeth, and bone.  We anticipate many years of extensive Orthodontics...but at the moment we are really only dealing with the Tooth Fairy!  Kelly has lost her 3rd tooth, right on schedule, and was excited to place that tiny little tooth under her pillow.  As you can see from the photo, she has a serious underbite, along with some "Geminated" teeth (fused) and a tiny little lateral tooth that is finally exposed, now that the top front tooth is out.  All part of being a 6 yr old cleft kid.

Amazingly enough, she can still whistle a pretty decent tune!

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