Advancement of maxillary anterior segment by distraction osteogenesis (DO): a case report

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a technique that leads to osseus generation and osteosynthesis by means of slow traction applied to the bone and the soft tissues. Distraction can be both unilateral and bilateral and can correct deficiencies on one, two or three different levels. Using a horizontal osteotomy and the application of a Mia Quad Helix we achieved the aims of the correction of the anterior segment of the maxillary arch, the bite closure and to obtain a class I molar and canine relationship. The final result can be considered acceptable both from the aesthetic and functional viewpoint. Although it is not the most common approach to solve the lack of maxillary projection, this procedure can be very useful in cases where the hypoplasia is due to the premature extractions of the upper cuspids.