Cleft Palate Treatment

The treatment of certain craniofacial birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate is a specialty of orthodontics that requires coordinated surgical, medical and dental intervention. Dr. Ellen received extensive training and experience with cleft lip and palate patients during her orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois School of Dental Medicine. During Dr. Ellen’s training, she worked at the UIC Craniofacial Center where patients born with cleft lip and/or palate and other congenital craniofacial conditions are seen for evaluation and treatment where she had the opportunity to gain the unique experience of treating many more of these patients than the average orthodontic resident and was given the opportunity to learn from all of the specialists involved in the treatment of these craniofacial abnormalities. Dr. Ellen continued to work with cleft lip and palate patients immediately after arriving in New Jersey, serving as the orthodontist on the Craniofacial Team at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson New Jersey for many years.

Dr. Ellen understands that coordinated care between the orthodontist, dentist, oral and craniofacial plastic surgeons is essential in order to achieve excellent esthetic dental, skeletal and facial results. She is dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care, communicating with a team of specialists and bringing her experience and extensive training to the treatment of every cleft palate patient in our office.