Dr. Halofsky checked Stella's progress weekly and offered tips on how to best position Stella when turning screw.

Dr. Halofsky advised when turning the screw one full turn, you would hear a click sound. “ I only heard a screaming baby”, lol…

Unfortunately a week was lost when there was a minor problem with the device. After installation of the latham device it would be wise to have you Pediatric Dentist check to see if device is functioning correctly.

Normally the device would only be required to stay in the child’s mouth for about three weeks. But varies from child to child or any other unforeseen problems that might arise.

As the screw works into the Latham device it will be harder to access the screw head. Stella’s gum will block any viewing access. So therefore it is required to kind of scoot back the gum using the screwdriver to access the screw head, resulting in slight bleeding of the gum. Have some tissue or gauze available to gently wipe area afterwards.

Also if the screw still seems loose after one complete turn, turn until tight but not beyond two complete turns. Try to remove any debris from screw threads if child permits it at this time, caked on formula or cereal, etc.

When closure is achieved, the device will be removed. The Craniofacial team will check on Stella’s progress, then advise us on her next step.

When the device is removed, normally in the same procedure the plastic surgeon will repair the lip. Correction of the nasal deformity is also usually performed at the time of lip adhesion. The objective in repairing the lip is to close the cleft to create a pleasing face that will develop normally with minimal scarring.

Notice how the sides of the roof and gum have come together. Also the front partial closure of the nasal cavity has eliminated Stella’s wheezing sounds when breathing. I now have to actually see if she is breathing when sleeping at night, she sleeps so soundly.