Tooth-borne Device Research Articles

Periodontal evaluation after maxillary expansion with atooth-bone-borne expander in growing patients : Arandomized clinical trial.

This two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate and compare periodontal changes due to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using tooth-bone-borne and tooth-borne devices in growing patients via clinical examinations and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Forty-two eligible patients (aged 11-14years; transverse maxillary deficiency, posterior crossbite) were screened and divided into two groups based on the treatment received (randomization was performed using computer-generated numeric sequences): hybrid hyrax tooth-bone-borne group (TBB) and hyrax tooth-borne group (TB). The primary outcome was the change in cortical bone thickness (by CBCT). In addition, the clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, and bleeding were assessed. Both examinations were performed before and 3months after the activation phase. Intergroup comparisons were performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA; P < 0.05). Twenty-one patients (12girls and 9boys; mean initial age, 13.3years) were included in the TBB group and 21 (5girls and 16boys; mean initial age, 13.2years) were included in the TB group. The TB group exhibited adecrease in buccal bone thickness in the first premolars and first molars at all three evaluated levels. Specifically, tooth 14 at 3 mm from the enamel-cement junction showed asignificant width reduction (0.7 mm; p < 0.001), accompanied by anotable increase in palatal cortical thickness at 6 mm of enamel-cement junction (1.13 mm; p < 0.001). RME resulted in buccal bone thickness reduction at the first premolar with hyrax treatment. In the molar region, both devices resulted in cortical bone alterations that were less pronounced in the TBB group.

Alveolar bone changes after tooth-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: A three-dimensional study

IntroductionSurgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) with a dental-anchorage appliance can induce dental and skeletal complications adjacent to the teeth supporting the device. The purpose of this study was to quantify the dentoskeletal changes observed after SARME using a tooth-borne device. Materials and methodsCone beam CT images from 39 patients were compared between the preoperative (T1) and the postoperative period (T2). The mean time to complete the second imaging was 13.8 ± 6.9 months after the SARME. Dental and bone parameters were assessed: the vestibular bone height (BH), the bone thickness (BT), the existence of fenestrations, and the root resorption at the level of first upper premolar (P1) and the first upper molar (M1). The maxillary expansion parameters were also collected. ResultsBoth vertical and horizontal vestibular bone loss were observed mainly in the first upper molar sectors: The BT decreased from 0.93 ± 0.50 mm to 0.53 ± 0.51 mm (p < 0.0001) and the BH decreased from 1.84 ± 1.05 mm to 0.93 ± 1.02 mm (p < 0.0001) for tooth #16. The bone loss also affected the first upper premolars but in a more limited manner. Significant fenestrations were observed at the apex of the mesio-vestibular root of teeth #16 and #26. We noted significant root resorption affecting the mesio-, disto-vestibular and palatal roots of tooth #16 (mean reductions of 0.32, 0.35, and 0.55 mm, respectively; p < 0.05), and the palatal root of tooth # 26 (loss of 0.58 mm; p = 0.004). The mean bone expansion was 3.76 mm and 1.41 mm at the premolar and molar levels, respectively (p < 0.0001), while a mean 6.24 mm and 4.23 mm inter-cuspid expansion was noted at the P1 and M1 levels (p < 0.0001). ConclusionOur results document the vestibular bone changes and low root resorption, mostly in the molar sectors, associated with SARME using dental-anchorage devices.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of an Adult Patient With Maxillary Hypoplasia Secondary to Cleft Lip and Palate: A Case Report

The purpose of this case report is to present a multidisсiрlinаry treatment of an adult patient with maxillary hyрoplаsia secondary to a cleft lip and palate using a segmentаl maxillary distrаctiоn osteogenesis (MSD) system. Dentаl-аnchоred Hyrаx deviсe wаs usеd tо bring аbоut the distаctiоn tо incrеаse the uрреr jаw length withоut аltering spеeсh, with аdеquаte аnd stаble occlusiоn. Dental implants were placed in a recently created bone to replace missing teeth.&#x0D; For patients with maxillary hypoplasia, AMSD is a successful treatment option. It preserves velорhаryngeal function and is a stаble therаpy that keeps the overjet achieved with distraction osteogenesis without damaging the posterior occlusiоn. During the consolidation phase, intermаxillary elаstiсs can solve the open bite caused by tooth-borne devices. At a reasonable cost, the mоdified Hyrаx system allows the maxillary arch to be extended and pushed forward.

Dento-Skeletal Class III Treatment with Mixed Anchored Palatal Expander: A Systematic Review

Bone-anchored appliances for the treatment of Class III malocclusions have recently been found to reduce the dentoalveolar effects caused by conventional tooth-borne devices while also improving orthopaedic outcomes in growing patients. The goal of this systematic review was to compare the outcomes of skeletal Class III interceptive treatment with dental anchoring devices to those achieved with mixed anchored palatal expanders. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients who were treated with hybrid anchored palatal expanders and different maxillary advancement appliances. Study quality was estimated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. A search on the Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library databases yielded 350 papers. Following the initial abstract selection, 65 potentially acceptable papers were thoroughly examined, resulting in a final selection of 9 articles. The results in the short-term showed that combined tooth-borne and bone-borne appliances for rapid maxillary expansion might be recommended in protocols of skeletal Class III treatment to obtain more skeletal effects and reduce side effects on the upper teeth.

Resident Commentary: Is There a Significant Difference in Relapse and Complication Rate of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion Using Tooth-Borne, Bone-Borne, and Orthodontic Mini-Implant-Borne Appliances (Ploder et al, 2020)?

Resident Commentary: Is There a Significant Difference in Relapse and Complication Rate of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion Using Tooth-Borne, Bone-Borne, and Orthodontic Mini-Implant-Borne Appliances (Ploder et al, 2020)?

Skeletal, dental and facial aesthetic changes following anterior maxillary segmental distraction by tooth-borne device in patients with cleft lip and palate

Maxillary skeletal deficiency secondary to cleft lip and palate (CLP) remains a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to present the comprehensive skeletal, dental and facial aesthetic outcomes of anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis (AMSDO) for treatment of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with CLP. Twelve patients with maxillary hypoplasia treated with AMSDO by a customized tooth-borne distractor were included. Three-dimensional changes of anterior maxillary segment, upper incisor and pharyngeal space were measured by three-dimensional reconstruction derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. Length and width of dental arch during distraction were determined in dental casts. Nasolabial angle, soft-tissue convexity and patient’s subjective satisfaction were assessed to evaluate facial aesthetic improvements. Nasopharyngoscopic evaluation and speech assessment were also performed before and after distraction. All patients successfully received AMSDO without serious complications. Following AMSDO, the anterior maxillary segments moved forward 5.56±0.28mm and slightly upward 1.15±0.13mm. AMSDO significantly lengthened maxillary dental arch, generated new bone to relieve dental crowding and improved patients’ facial aesthetic without worsening velopharyngeal closure and speech quality. AMSDO by tooth-borne distractor is an effective surgical alternative for the advancement in patients with cleft maxillary hypoplasia.

Assessment of pulp volume changes after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion

Maxillary transverse deficiency is a common skeletal problem. When the patient is younger, it is treated by rapid palatal expansion by using orthodontic appliances. If this fails or the patient is older, which means skeletal growth is completed, surgically aided rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) becomes necessary. In this technique, after the osteotomies have been made, the two maxillary bones are distracted by tooth-borne device. Since a tooth-borne device will apply the distraction forces on the teeth, the pulp volumes may change. Our aim was to investigate the volume changes of the tooth pulps after SARPE in which a tooth-borne device was used. We scanned our database and included 20 patients (7 males and 13 females) aging between 16 and 30 (mean 19.5±3.97) to this retrospective study. All the patients had undergone SARPE surgeries and they had pre-surgery and postconsolidation cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images. All the surgeries had been done in similar ways; all the patients had used similar tooth-borne modified acrylic bonded expansion device. We divided the maxillary teeth into three groups: the incisors, the premolars and the molars. We imported the CBCT images of each patient into 3D Slicer software. We calculated volumes of pulps for all maxillary teeth. We compared volumes with paired t test. Statistical significance level was accepted as P< .05. The devices had been left in place between 83 and 179 days including distraction and consolidation periods (mean 121.35±27.83 days). Amount of the expansions varied between 6.03mm and 11.16mm (mean 7.19±1.18mm). We found a statistically significant decrease of the pulp volumes in incisor, premolar and molar teeth (P<.001) between pre-surgery and postconsolidation periods. When using tooth-borne devices in SARPE, their impacts on teeth pulps should also be considered.

A comparison of tooth-borne and bone-anchored expansion devices in SARME.

Major adult maxillary transverse discrepancies are usually treated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME), utilizing a combination of surgical and orthodontic techniques. Unfortunately, a consensus has not been reached on topics ranging from the best surgical technique that should be performed to the ideal expander type that should be installed. The present study sought to evaluate the efficiency and stability of the maxillary expansion achieved with two types of expanders following the same SARME procedure without pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD). Twenty-four patients with a maxillary transverse deficiency were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent the same SARME, and 12 received a bone-anchored (KLS Martin®) and 12 were installed with a tooth-borne (Hyrax®) expander. Dental impressions were collected both preoperatively and 1year postoperatively. These casts were scanned and the distances between specific interdental and intergingival points were measured and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the effects expander type had on the efficiency of the maxillary expansion and long-term stability. Expansion in the anterior maxillary and premolar regions was found to be similar in both groups. In contrast, the tooth-borne device resulted in a significantly greater expansion in the molar region. The SARME technique without PMD is highly effective at treating adults with maxillary transverse deficiencies, and the type of expander selected depends on the location of the larger maxillary constriction region of each patient.

Distraction osteogenesis in dog with a tooth-borne device: Histological and histomorphometric analysis

BackgroundThe distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the biological process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments gradually separated by incremental traction. However, the lack of solid experimental studies using the tooth-borne distractor does not allow comparing this technique with the classical procedures. This study aimed to establish the effect of two different activation protocols in new bone formation, with a new intraoral tooth-borne device for dog mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Material and Methods Nine beagle dogs were split into 3 similar groups, Group A the control, Group B subjected to two daily activations of 0.5 mm and Group C subjected to a single daily activation of 1 mm. The distraction period was 10 days followed by a 12 weeks consolidation period. Samples where then processed and embedded in methylmethacrylate and ground to a thickness of 20µm. Toluidine blue stains were done on all specimens and histological and histomorphometric evaluation of bone tissue formed within distraction gap was performed. The statistical analysis in this manuscript was performed with IBM®-SPSS® v.20 statistics software and R software version 3.1.0. The level of significance adopted was 5 % (α=0.05). Results No statistically significant difference was detected by histomorphometric evaluation between the two experimental groups in what concerns the bone volume. However, significant differences were found in the coefficients of variation between the medial and buccal areas, and the buccal and lingual areas. Conclusions This study shows that the mandible can be lengthened successfully using a tooth-borne distractor. Moreover, it suggested that a decrease from once to twice-daily activations might negatively change the quality and structure of newly formed bone and prompt it to instability. Key words:Retrognathia, bone regeneration, osteogenesis, distraction.

Distraction osteogenesis in dog with a tooth-borne device: Histological and histomorphometric analysis.

The distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the biological process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments gradually separated by incremental traction. However, the lack of solid experimental studies using the tooth-borne distractor does not allow comparing this technique with the classical procedures. This study aimed to establish the effect of two different activation protocols in new bone formation, with a new intraoral tooth-borne device for dog mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Nine beagle dogs were split into 3 similar groups, Group A the control, Group B subjected to two daily activations of 0.5 mm and Group C subjected to a single daily activation of 1 mm. The distraction period was 10 days followed by a 12 weeks consolidation period. Samples where then processed and embedded in methylmethacrylate and ground to a thickness of 20µm. Toluidine blue stains were done on all specimens and histological and histomorphometric evaluation of bone tissue formed within distraction gap was performed. The statistical analysis in this manuscript was performed with IBM®-SPSS® v.20 statistics software and R software version 3.1.0. The level of significance adopted was 5 % (α=0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected by histomorphometric evaluation between the two experimental groups in what concerns the bone volume. However, significant differences were found in the coefficients of variation between the medial and buccal areas, and the buccal and lingual areas. This study shows that the mandible can be lengthened successfully using a tooth-borne distractor. Moreover, it suggested that a decrease from once to twice-daily activations might negatively change the quality and structure of newly formed bone and prompt it to instability. Key words:Retrognathia, bone regeneration, osteogenesis, distraction.

Bone-Borne Maxillary Expansion and Traditional Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effect of bone-borne expansion (BBE) and tooth-borne expansion (TBE) in patients with maxillary constriction. Methods: Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched up to February 2019. Eligible clinical trials and cohort studies that studied the effects of bone-borne and tooth-borne expansion appliances on patients with constricted maxilla were selected. The study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two authors. Then, the random-effects meta-analysis and post-hoc heterogeneity tests were performed. Results: In the end, four studies were included in the present meta-analysis (i.e., a randomized clinical trial, two prospective controlled clinical trials, and a cohort study) that collected data from 117 patients. The mean differences between TBE and BBE were 0.38 mm and -0.28 mm for premolar and molar apices, 0.67 mm and 1.18 mm for premolar and molar crowns, 0.19 mm and 0.17 mm for alveolar bone in premolar and molar areas, and -0.61 mm and 0.02 mm for nasal and maxillary bones, respectively. Moreover, the differences between TBE and BBE for dental angulation were 3.84◦ and 1.52◦ for left and right molars, as well as 4.85◦ and 3.46◦ for left and right premolars, respectively. Conclusion: The BBE appliances do not have any advantages over tooth-borne devices with regard to the amount of skeletal or dental expansion; however, it seems to produce less tipping in posterior teeth.

Tooth-borne versus bone-borne rapid maxillary expansion for transverse maxillary deficiency: A systematic review

The aim of this study was to compare dentoskeletal effects of bone-borne expanders with those of conventional expanders in adolescent and adults having transverse maxillary deficiency. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of bone-borne with those of tooth-borne expansion for treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency in adults and adolescents with maxillary transverse deficiency or posterior crossbite were included. The systematic search was irrespective of language and publication type. The electronic search was conducted from 1980 to January 2018. The electronic searches retrieved 713 references after screening for eligibility criteria. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review involving 289 participants. Four studies compared rapid maxillary expansion (RME) between bone-borne and tooth-borne devices and indicated effectiveness of both devices on maxillary expansion. In the first molar region, there was no significant difference between two devices in either skeletal or dental expansion. Two studies compared the effects of bone-borne and tooth-borne device following SARME and suggested no significant difference regarding amount and pattern of expansion at various levels and in molar and premolar region between two groups. Two studies compared bone-borne and tooth-bone-borne devices. Within the limit of the present evidence regarding maxillary expansion, it seems that both tooth-borne and bone-borne devices result in the same outcome in terms of the amount of maxillary expansion, dental tipping, stability and perceived pain both in RME and SARME procedure. PROSPERO registration: CRD42017061078.

Expansión rápida maxilar en pacientes adultos jóvenes: comparación de aparatos dentosoportados y esqueletalmente soportados. Estudio de cohorte.

Introduction: Maxillary constrictions are one of the most frequent abnormalities, regardless of the type of dentition studied. They can be treated either with tooth-borne or bone-borne expander appliances, depending on the biological maturation of the patient. Treatment during prepubertal stages has been shown to be successful, but there is evidence of an open suture even in late adolescence stages. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of a rapid expansion bone-borne device to a tooth-borne device in young adults suffering from maxillary constriction, by means of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in nine patients (three males, six females) with a mean age of 18±5.5 years, who attended the Dentistry Service of Universidad de Chile during 2014-2015. Six patients were treated with tooth-borne appliances (Hyrax type) and three patients with bone-borne appliances (MARPE). Linear measurements of the anterior and posterior transverse dimension and angular measurements of the inclination of molars and incisors were obtained through CBCT for each group in T1 and T2. Results: A significant increase in the posterior transverse dimensions in both groups was observed. Radiolucency of the suture was observed in all patients treated with miniscrews and in half of the patients treated with Hyrax. Greater angulation of molars was shown in the tooth-borne group in comparison with the bone-borne group. Conclusion: Both appliances caused an increase in the posterior transverse dimension, but bone anchored appliances achieved a more parallel and skeletal expansion. Randomized clinical trials with a larger sample and follow-up are needed.

Symphyseal bone distraction (part 2): which protocol in 2018? A systematic literature review

The aim of this systematic literature review is to propose a clinical protocol in 2018 by comparing therapeutic efficacy and undesirable effects of the technique. Searches were made on Pubmed/Medline and Cochrane for randomized clinical trials and case series involving mandibular symphyseal distraction over the past 20 years with a patient sample greater than or equal to 10. Of the 92 articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. A controlled trial was selected, but no randomized trial. The other studies were all case series, 16 retrospective and 8 prospective. Dental crowding over 7 mm, with or without compensation, is an indication for mid-symphyseal distraction. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment ensures root divergence between the mandibular incisors. Tooth-borne devices are recommended in first intention. Surgical intervention (ambulatory) under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation is considered. The latency period before activation of the jack is 6 days. Activations are performed by the orthodontist and subsequently by the patient at a rate of 1 mm per day, with four activations daily. Orthodontic movements are resumed two weeks after activations are discontinued. The distractor is removed within two to three months after installation. Although the main features of the mid-symphyseal distraction protocol were drawn up essentially in the light of expert opinion, they still need to be refined by controlled trials.

Symphyseal bone distraction (part 1): benefit / risk ratio. A systematic literature review

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to evaluate the benefit / risk ratio of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis. Searches were made on Pubmed/Medline and Cochrane for randomized clinical trials and case series involving mandibular symphyseal distraction over the past 20 years with a patient sample greater than or equal to 10. Of the 92 articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. A controlled trial was selected, but no randomized trial. The other studies were all case series, 16 retrospective and 8 prospective. Distractors with bone or hybrid anchorage appear to lead to more periodontal and infectious complications due to the buccal position of the jack. Most complications are benign. However, the most difficult event to deal with is distraction device fracture. Symphyseal midline distraction increases the transverse dimension efficiently, reliably and sustainably, and appears to have no demonstrated deleterious effects on the ATMs for the three types of distractors. Tooth-borne devices are recommended in most cases given their benefit / risk ratio. Furthermore, they do not require a second surgical procedure to remove them. Mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis is a reliable therapy whose exact limits and reproducibility remain to be defined by future prospective studies.

Treatment of Maxillary Hypoplasia in Cleft Lip and Palate: Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis With Hyrax Device.

The objective of this work is to describe a segmental maxillary distraction osteogenesis (SDO) with segmental Lefort I with an inexpensive device.Four patients who presented severe class III and maxillary hypoplasia due to cleft lip and palate sequel were treated. A SDO was performed using a dental-anchored Hyrax device, achieving enlargement of the upper jaw without altering speech, with adequate and stable occlusion. Dental implants in a new formed bone were installed.The authors can conclude that SDO is a good treatment alternative for patients with maxillary hypoplasia. It preserves velopharyngeal function and is a stable treatment, maintaining the overjet achieved with distraction osteogenesis, without changes in posterior occlusion. The open bite generated with tooth-borne devices can be solved with temporary anchorage devices and intermaxillary elastics during consolidation phase. Modified Hyrax device allows expanding and moving forward the maxillary arch, with a low cost.

Treatment Outcomes for Isolated Maxillary Complex Fractures with Maxillomandibular Screws.

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a basic and fundamental principle in the management of patients with fractures of the maxillomandibular complex. There are several shortcomings related to the conventionally recommended tooth-mounted devices that are used to achieve IMF. To circumvent these, the use of bone-borne screws has been advocated. We present a series of maxillary fractures treated with IMF screws. Over a 12-month period, 15 cases of maxillary fracture were managed with open reduction and bone plate fixation. IMF screws were used to achieve IMF intraoperatively and for a short duration postoperatively. Eight cortical titanium screws were inserted transmucosally, two for each quadrant at the junction of the attached and mobile mucosa. Satisfactory occlusion was achieved in all the patients with few complications. IMF screw fixation was observed to be a safe and quick method for open reduction of maxillary fractures. Tooth-borne devices are associated with problems such as poor oral hygiene and periodontal health, extrusion of teeth, loss of tooth vitality, traumatic ulcers of buccal and labial mucosa, and needle stick injury to the operator. These procedures are also time consuming. The use of cortical bone screws is a quicker and safe alternative for achieving satisfactory IMF.

Assessment of aesthetic and functional improvement of patients with mid-facial hypoplasia corrected using mid maxillary osteodistraction (MMOD) with a tooth-borne distractor

Introduction: A method of mid maxillary distraction osteogenesis using tooth borne custom-made device is being performed on cleft patients in Oral and Maxillofacial unit,Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka, over the past ten years. The technique is simple, inexpensive and less time consuming. Aims of this study were to assess the level of improvement of maxillary unit length, facial appearance and quality of speech of patients following correction of mid facial hypoplasia using MMOD. Methods: Patients with midfacial hypoplasia (n:10, M: F –1:1, Age range : 14-22 yrs) surgically corrected with MMOD technique during 2013 were included. Increase of maxillary unit length, SNA & ANB angles and over-jet were assessed with study-models and cephalometric analysis pre-surgically and one year after surgery. The quality of speech was assessed using resonance, nasal air emission and consonant production error pre and post surgically. Results: All patients showed positive over-jet increase (mean: 4.3 mm) and improved anterior-posterior dimensions of maxilla (SNA mean increase: 8.5 ,ANB mean increase: 8.8 and average increase of Maxillary Unit Length/ANS - PNS: 6.2 mm). Findings were statistically significant (p Conclusions: MMOD is a less expensive, less invasive orthognathic surgical procedure where adequate distraction is possible with minimum relapse. Bone formation on either side of osteotomy cuts expand soft tissues as well, to improve facial aesthetics and reduce velo-pharyngeal insufficiency to improve speech.

One-stage tooth-borne distraction versus two stage bone-borne distraction in surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SARME)

To evaluate and compare the effects of tooth-borne and bone-borne distraction devices in surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SARME) on dental and skeletal structures. A sample of 33 skeletally mature patients with transverse maxillary deficiencies was examined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before and 3 months after surgery. Fourteen patients were treated with tooth-borne devices and 19 patients with bone-borne devices. Dental crown expansion in the first premolars did not differ significantly between the two groups, and median expansion was 5.55 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 5.23) in the tooth-borne device group and 4.6 mm (IQR 3.4) in the bone-borne device group. In the first molars, crown expansion and lateral tipping were significantly greater in the tooth-borne device group (P ≤ .02). The median skeletal nasal isthmus increase was significantly more in the bone-borne device group at 3.0 mm than in the tooth-borne device group at 0.98 mm (P ≤ .02). Both tooth-borne and bone-borne devices are effective treatment modalities to correct maxillary transverse deficiencies. Bone-borne devices produced greater widening of the skeletal nasal floor and fewer dental side effects in the first molars.

Perpendicular serial maxillary distraction osteogenesis in cleft lip and palate patients.

Background:Cleft lip and palate patients often have a retruded maxilla with a severely narrowed deficient maxillary arch. This report aims to describe the management of severe maxillary retrusion and constriction in cleft lip and palate patients using distraction osteogenesis applied in serial sequence in two directions perpendicular to each other.Materials and Methods:Two adult male cleft lip and palate patients were treated with maxillary distraction osteogenesis in two stages. In the first stage, surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with a tooth-borne device was performed to significantly expand the maxillary arch in the transverse dimension. After the teeth were orthodontically aligned, the horizontal distraction of the maxilla was made by two internal maxillary distraction devices.Results:In the first patient, the maxilla was initially widened by 11 mm and then distracted forward by 20 mm. Despite the breakage of the shaft of one of the two distractors at the end of distraction, a satisfactory occlusion was found at the time of distractor device removal. The maxillary position has remained stable through 8 years of follow-up. In the second patient, the palate was widened by 14 mm and the maxilla was distracted forward by 22 mm. The maxillary position has remained stable through 3 years of follow-up.Conclusion:Sequential serial distraction of maxilla in two planes perpendicular to each other is a safe and stable approach for the treatment of cleft lip and palate patients with severe transverse and anteroposterior discrepancies.