How do cleft palates form?

Cleft palates form during early fetal development when the tissues that comprise the roof of the mouth (palate) do not fully fuse. This fusion typically occurs between the sixth and ninth weeks of pregnancy, and failure in this process can result in a cleft palate. Genetic factors, environmental influences, and maternal health conditions may contribute to the likelihood of this condition developing. Cleft palates can vary in severity, affecting only the soft palate or extending through the hard palate and into the lip.