Premaxillary distraction osteogenesis with an individual tooth-borne appliance

Distraction osteogenesis defines a technique of bone generation and osteosynthesis by the distraction of native preexisting bone. The technique offers a promising treatment alternative for patients with maxillary hypoplasia and a retrognathic mandible. In this case report, the steps in the treatment of an 18.2-year-old girl with premaxillary hypoplasia and anterior crossbite are described. The patient was treated with a distraction osteogenesis technique, and premaxillary advancement was performed using an individual tooth-borne distraction device. The surgical operation consisted of a classical segmental maxillary osteotomy carefully respecting the palatal periosteum. The distractor was cemented in the mouth after the surgical procedures. The patient was observed during a seven-day latency period, after which the device was activated 0.5 mm every 12 hours. The anterior crossbite was eliminated in one week, and the treatment was finished with fixed orthodontic appliances.