Feeding Appliance and Obturator for a Fifteen Days Old Neonate with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate is the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the oro-facial region. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial and essential for its management. Amidst the multiple challenges faced related to infections, the most critical issue for infants born with cleft lip and palate is the difficulty in suckling leading to the inability to feed normally, which also poses problems in the development of bond between mother and the child. A feeding obturator appliance helps the child in comfortable feeding and hence helps to gain an optimum body weight required for the impending surgical intervention. This article explores various choices available to aid in the feeding of children born with cleft lip and palate; and discusses in detail the benefits and fabrication of a feeding appliance and obturator for a fifteen days old neonate born with such defect.