The Best of Both Worlds: Distraction Osteogenesis Protocol for Correction of Facial Deformity. An Orthodontic Perspective

Objectives: To present distraction osteogenesis protocol for the correction of facial deformity through a multi disciplinary treatment approach ensuring optimal end results.
Methods: Two case reports will be presented; one with a long standing unilateral functional ankylosis and the other with hemifacial microsomia. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach was used involving an Orthodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Restorative Dentist to ensure optimal treatment results.
Results: Optimal facial esthetics and optimal occlusal goals were achieved. These were found to be stable over a 12 month follow up period with minimal relapse. The complications encountered during and immediately after the surgical phase of treatment had resolved in the post operative follow up period. This was at par with the international standards and the available evidence.
Conclusions: Distraction osteogenesis has enormous potential for the correction of facial deformity specially those beyond the scope of conventional orthognathic surgery. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning through a multi-disciplinary treatment approach is the rule rather than exception. The incidence of complications after distraction osteogenesis protocol is comparable to, if not more than conventional orthognathic surgery and what has been reported in previous studies where as the potential for correction as well as stability is far beyond. The available results are based on two cases and a need exists to treat and report more cases and a bigger sample which would further enhance our understanding into this treatment modality.