Craniofacial Disorders Kansas City

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Specialized treatment for complex craniofacial conditions.

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What Are Craniofacial Disorders?

Craniofacial disorders are conditions that affect the growth, development, or function of the skull, face, jaws, mouth, or related structures. Some are present at birth, while others develop as a result of injury, growth abnormalities, or medical conditions.

Comprehensive Evaluation Matters

Because craniofacial conditions can impact appearance, speech, breathing, feeding, hearing, and overall quality of life, early diagnosis and coordinated care are often important. Our specialists work together to create personalized treatment plans that are focused on both immediate function and long-term care for our patients with craniofacial disorders in Kansas City.

Common Signs & Symptoms

We see a variety of craniofacial disorders in our Kansas City office, and symptoms vary based on the condition.

Facial Asymmetry

Differences in facial growth, shape, or symmetry may become more noticeable as a child develops.

Speech Difficulties

Structural differences affecting the palate, jaw, or airway can impact speech clarity and communication.

Feeding Challenges

Infants and children may experience difficulty feeding, swallowing, or maintaining proper nutrition.

Breathing Concerns

Certain craniofacial conditions can affect airway development and contribute to breathing or sleep-related issues.

When to Seek an Evaluation

For craniofacial conditions, early intervention often leads to better outcomes and more treatment options.

Developmental Concerns

Facial, jaw, or skull growth that appears different from expected developmental milestones.

Feeding Difficulties

Challenges with nursing, bottle feeding, swallowing, or weight gain.

Jaw Function Issues

Difficulty chewing, biting, opening the mouth, or maintaining proper jaw alignment.

Speech Changes

Speech that sounds nasal, unclear, or difficult to understand.

Prior Diagnosis

Patients already diagnosed with a craniofacial condition benefit from ongoing specialist monitoring.

Airway Symptoms

Snoring, mouth breathing, sleep disruption, or other signs of airway restriction.

Talk With Our Experts

Get in touch with our specialists to talk about next steps and treatment options.

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How We Diagnose Craniofacial Conditions

  • 01

    Medical Review

    We review medical history, developmental milestones, symptoms, and any previous evaluations. In certain cases, this begins before birth during prenatal screenings and ultrasounds, as well.

  • 02

    Clinical Assessment

    Specialists evaluate facial growth, oral structures, jaw function, speech, and overall development.

  • 03

    Advanced Imaging

    When needed, digital imaging provides detailed information to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • 04

    Collaborative Review

    Providers work together to evaluate findings and discuss recommendations.

  • 05

    Personalized Care Plan

    Patients receive a customized treatment strategy based on their needs and goals.

Explore Available Care Options

Comprehensive surgical care for cleft conditions and complex craniofacial concerns.

Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery

Surgical treatment for severe TMJ damage, dysfunction, and persistent pain.

TMJ Surgery

Specialized surgical care for jaw abnormalities, impacted teeth, facial trauma, and more.

Oral Surgical Needs

Corrective jaw surgery to improve alignment, function, facial balance, and comfort.

Orthognathic Surgery

Find the Care You Need

Navigate your next steps with confidence and personalized recommendations.

Find the Right Care Path

Meet Our Craniofacial Specialists

Meet the Team
Meet the Doctor

Patrick Christopher

DDS, MD

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Robert O. Weiss II

MD, DDS.

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

We Are on Every Insurance Plan

We know that accessible craniofacial care is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Patients Are Our Why

  • Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled..."

    - Kross R.

    Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled cleft surgeons. From the front desk to the surgeons, they’re all incredibly personable. They remember our names and our story. They don’t leave you hanging. They check in regularly even between appointments and surgeries. They don’t just provide care. They actually care.

    - Kross R.

  • We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the..."

    - Briggs F.

    We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the scariest/unknown times of their lives and continue to be a part of our lives even after the “hard part”. It is truly amazing to me to think that Dr. Christopher, Dr. Weiss, and Rachel our team SLP have all been with us essentially since Briggs’ birthday three years ago! Feeding a baby with PRS and a cleft palate is not an easy feat and Rachel and the NICU SLP’s worked with us teaching and learning alongside us as we figured out the best feeding system, positions, etc. with Briggs. Now as he is older they have helped monitor and guide his Speech and Language development and helped advocate for him as we transition to an Early Childhood Education Program.

    - Briggs F.

  • Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me..."

    - Rayne

    Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me his personal phone number. He was contacting me consistently after her surgery and made sure she was doing well. He checks in with us consistently and has even attended her Elementary Schools Career Day and provided so much insightful information about what he does to so many students. It is truly like being part of a family. You can see the passion he puts into his career and how much it shines. I couldn’t imagine my daughter having any other surgeon at this point.

    - Rayne

Compassionate Care for Complex Needs

Helping patients and families find trusted care with confidence and support.

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