Do cleft palates and lips occur together?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are two separate birth defects that can occur together or separately.

When they do occur together, it is known as a complete cleft. A complete cleft involves a separation of the lip, gum line, and roof of the mouth (palate).

Incomplete clefts only involve a separation of the lip or palate. Cleft lip and palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.