Six year follow-up of a patient treated with mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis

In this report, treatment and long term effects of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO) on dentofacial structures are presented. The distraction device used in the present case was a custom made tooth- and bone-borne distractor. Post-treatment records revealed elimination of mandibular anterior crowding, no temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, no periodontal pathology and no root resorption. Follow-up records taken 6 years after the completion of the treatment indicated no mandibular anterior crowding or TMJ disorder. Treatment and long term results of this case suggest that mandibular widening with distraction osteogenesis is an efficient, safe and stable treatment modality for patients presenting transverse mandibular deficiency and/or mandibular anterior dental crowding. However, large sample studies are required to draw substantial conclusions about the long term effects of the MSDO on dentofacial structures.