Abstract: Cleft lip and palate is a common birth defect in oral and maxillofacial regions. Good outcomes could not be achieved unless after long-term interdisciplinary team care. The diagnosis and treatment guidelines for cleft lip and palate in the United States have been revised and evolved for 30 years since their promulgation in 1993, and have important guiding value for the treatment of cleft lip and palate. This article focuses on introducing the key content of this guide, including principles and team responsibilities for the treatment of cleft lip and palate, precautions for newborns and infants, cleft lip and palate repair, timing of correction for cleft lip and palate nasal deformities, alveolar bone grafting repair and craniofacial surgery, ear, nose, throat, and hearing problems and management, orthodontic treatment for cleft lip and palate patients, speech/language assessment and treatment, and psychological and social services.

Key words: cleft lip, cleft palate, craniofacial difference, interdisciplinary treatment, diagnostic and treatment guideline