[Distraction osteogenesis for the correction of severe unilateral posterior lockbite: preliminary report]

The aim of this study was to promote an effective approach, which was surgically-assisted buccal mandibular corticotomy in the lockbite side to rapidly expand mandibular arch to correct unilateral posterior lockbite using the principle of the distraction osteogenesis. The typical subject was a 16-year-old patient with unilateral posterior lockbite. The orthodontic treatment had been done before the surgery. After the surgery, reciprocal elastic traction between upper and lower arch were used immediately in the lockbite side. The results demonstrated that unilateral posterior lockbite could be effectively corrected with unilateral buccal mandibular corticotomy and rapid mandibular expansion, and the stability appeared satisfactory. This article also discussed the indications of the approach and processes of treatment.