Embryology: development of face, palate, tongue, teeth
Human Anatomy · MBBS
Tooth explorer
Interactive 3DPeel through enamel, dentin and pulp — then switch to implants, braces or dentures.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
%
0%1%
Study notes
A newborn has a gap in the upper lip extending into the nostril. This is cleft lip — the maxillary prominence failed to fuse with the medial nasal prominence around week 6. It often pairs with cleft palate (palatal shelves didn't fuse by week 9), causing feeding and speech difficulty. Both are among the commonest birth defects, repaired surgically in stages during infancy — lip first, palate before speech develops. Folic acid and avoiding smoking/alcohol lower the risk.