Mandibular distraction: surgical refinements and long-term results

Mandibular distraction is the treatment of choice for the surgical correction of mandibular hypoplasia. It is a less invasive and time-intensive technique and has a significantly decreased morbidity rate. The author's experience of lengthening mandibles for the past 12 years has shown that when the mandibular hypoplasia is more severe, better results will be obtained in the long term with earlier treatment. Orthodontics plays a very important role in correcting post-distraction occlusal changes and promoting balanced growth. The simultaneous expansion of the overlying soft tissues is the major advantage of this technique when it is compared with conventional osteotomies.