Cephalometric evaluation of patients treated by maxillary anterior segmental distraction: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric results of distraction osteogenesis in patients with premaxillary deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, an individual tooth-borne distraction device was used for advancement of the maxillary anterior segment. Unilateral or bilateral distraction was performed for 7 patients, according to the specific requirements of the individuals. Cephalometric radiographs were taken before treatment (T0), after distraction (T1), and after consolidation for 8 weeks (T2). RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis revealed that the premaxilla was moved forward and upward and the length of palatal plane increased. CONCLUSION: These alterations improved the soft tissue profile and solved the space deficiency of the maxilla by increasing the arch perimeter.