The role of craniofacial distraction in contemporary orthodontics

Abstract

Craniofacial distraction osteogenesis has become the treatment of choice for several conditions which has resulted in an increased interest particularly on part of craniofacial surgeons, orthodontists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists. The number of publications on craniofacial distraction osteogenesis increased 170 folds from 1970s to 2011-2015 which reflects wide acceptance of this technique and its ever expanding applications. With the advent of improved diagnostic and treatment modalities the number of complications associated with distraction osteogenesis has reduced to minimal. Distraction osteogenesis has a wide range of applications in the orthodontics ranging from management of cases as simple as single tooth ankylosis, congenital and environmental deformities of maxilla and mandible, moderate to severe dento-alveolar defects and complex multi-sutural cranio-synostosis. This manuscript provides a general description of orthodontic management of patients before, during and after distraction osteogenesis. Moreover, this paper discussed the latest distraction techniques most commonly employed for the patients with orthodontic needs.