Reconstruction of partial maxillary defect with intraoral distraction osteogenesis assisted by miniscrew implant anchorages

Abstract

The paper reports a custom-made trifocal transport distractor assisted by miniscrew implant anchorages (MIAs) used to reconstruct maxillary defects and evaluates the clinical results of function and esthetics. Eight patients aged 19-43 years who suffered regional maxillary defects were involved. Each one underwent segmental bone excision of the maxilla and distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the defect region by a custom-made interoral 3-dimensional distractor which was activated by orthodontic elastic force assisted by MIAs at the rate of <or=1 mm/d. New arced bone was found and filled the defect. The average amount of distraction was 13.6 mm (range 10-18 mm). Occlusion relationship was restored via this method, with subsequent placement of oral implants and prosthesis. The regenerated bony segment can be bent to form a curved arch. A combined orthodontics and DO technique can be used to treat partial maxillary defects successfully.