Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of a constricted mandible and telescopic bite.

OBJECTIVE

Documentation of the application of mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis and orthodontics.

PATIENTS: Three patients with telescopic bite resulting from an extremely constricted mandible related to hypoglossia-hypodactyly syndrome.

INTERVENTION: Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis using an extraoral device and subsequent orthodontic treatment.

RESULTS

The extremely constricted mandible and telescopic bite were dramatically improved by mandibular widening using distraction osteogenesis and subsequent orthodontics. Two of the three patients had transient complications; one reported temporomandibular joint pain and the other showed evidence of periodontal damage.

CONCLUSION

Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis is an effective technique for the treatment of telescopic bite resulting from an extremely constricted mandible.