Soft tissue stability in segmental distraction of the anterior mandibular alveolar process. A 2-year follow-up

This study evaluated soft tissue changes in adult patients treated with distraction osteogenesis (DOG) of the anterior mandibular alveolar process and related it to different parameters. 33 patients (27 females; 6 males) were analysed retrospectively before surgery at T1 (17.0 days), after surgery at T2 (mean 6.5 days), at T3 (mean 24.4 days), and at T4 (mean 2.0 years). Lateral cephalograms were traced by hand, digitized, superimposed, and evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, paired t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and linear backward regression analysis. 2 years postoperatively (T4), the net effect of the soft tissue at point B' was 100% of the advancement at point B whilst the lower lip (labrale inferior) followed the advancement of incision inferior to 46%. Increased preoperative age was correlated (p<0.05) with more horizontal backward movement (T4-T3) for labrale superior and pogonion'. Higher NL/ML' angles were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with smaller horizontal soft tissue change at point B'. Gender and the amount of skeletal and dental advancement were not correlated with postoperative soft tissue changes (T4-T3). DOG of the anterior mandibular alveolar process is a valuable alternative for mandibular advancement regarding soft tissue change and predictability.