Advancement of the premaxilla with distraction osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of premaxillary advancement with distraction osteogenesis (DO) on the skeletal, dental, and soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 21 cases with Angle class I molar relationship and negative overjet or edge-to-edge incisor relationship were included. Due to patient relocation during fixed orthodontic treatment the results of 19 patients (9 females, 10 males) were reported. Their average chronological age was 16.18 ± 3.10 years. An individual tooth-borne distraction appliance was used. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated on cephalograms obtained before treatment (T1), at the end of the consolidation period (T2) and fixed orthodontic treatment (T3). Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to determine the significant differences during T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 periods. RESULTS At T2 forward movements of ANS, A, and upper incisors were significant. Significant increases of SNA, ANB, and overjet were obtained. The soft tissue points of Pn, Sn, Ss, Ls showed significant anterior movement. Arch length increase of 10.76 mm was significant. At T3 the decreases of SNA and ANB angles, and FH ┴ N-A distance were significant. Pn point showed significant anterior movement. Total treatment time showed significant anterior movement of points ANS, A, and upper incisors. Significant increase of SNA and ANB angles was noted. The soft tissue points followed the movement of the underlying hard tissue. LIMITATION A class III control group could not be established for ethical reasons. CONCLUSIONS The facial profile was improved and space was obtained to solve the maxillary anterior crowding with premaxillary advancement through DO.