Outcome of treatment of Class II malocclusion by intraoral mandibular distraction

Our aim was to find out long-term results of treatment in patients treated orthodontically and by mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Data on duration of treatment, costs, and results of 26 patients (13 girls and 13 boys) with a mean age of 15 years were analysed. The preoperative cephalograms were compared with those taken at the last follow-up visit. There was a significant reduction in duration of treatment when patients were treated without a first phase that included functional appliances. The differences in costs of orthodontic treatment were not significant. The costs of the operation for distraction were significantly higher compared to BSSO, mainly because of the costs of the distraction devices. Comparison of the cephalograms showed a significant increase in SNB angle, Wits value, ANB angle, overjet, and overbite. The Y-axis, MP/S, and SpP/MP angle increased. Orthodontic treatment and distraction of the mandible was a successful, but more expensive, treatment. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.