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Mandibular widening by intraoral distraction osteogenesis
C A Guerrero1, W H Bell, G I Contasti
1Centro de Cirugia Maxilofacial, Caracas, Venezuela.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|March 5, 1998
Summary
This study introduces a new surgical technique for widening the mandible using symphyseal distraction osteogenesis. This method effectively treats transverse mandibular deficiency and dental crowding without tooth extraction.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Oral Surgery
- Distraction Osteogenesis
Background:
- Transverse mandibular deficiency and dental crowding are common in Class I and II malocclusions.
- Conventional treatments like orthodontics and orthopaedic devices often lead to instability and compromised aesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel surgical technique for mandibular widening using symphyseal distraction osteogenesis.
- To assess the efficacy of this technique in treating transverse mandibular deficiency and dental crowding.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of ten patients underwent vertical interdental symphyseal osteotomy followed by gradual osteodistraction.
- Either a tooth-borne Hyrax appliance or a custom bone-borne osteodistractor was used for mandibular widening.
- Non-extraction orthodontic alignment corrected dental crowding post-distraction.
Main Results:
- Successful mandibular widening was achieved in all patients.
- New bone formation (regenerate) bridged the distraction gaps, stabilizing the mandible.
- Non-extraction orthodontic treatment effectively aligned the mandibular anterior teeth.
Conclusions:
- Symphyseal distraction osteogenesis is an effective surgical alternative to orthognathic surgery for treating transverse mandibular deficiency.
- This technique allows for mandibular widening and dental crowding correction without tooth extraction.