Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of a constricted mandible and telescopic bite.

Objective: Documentation of the application of mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis and orthodontics.

Patients: Three patients with telescopic bite resulting from an extremely constricted mandible related to hypoglossia-hypodactyly syndrome.

Intervention: Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis using an extraoral device and subsequent orthodontic treatment.

Results: The extremely constricted mandible and telescopic bite were dramatically improved by mandibular widening using distraction osteogenesis and subsequent orthodontics. Two of the three patients had transient complications; one reported temporomandibular joint pain and the other showed evidence of periodontal damage.

Conclusion: Mandibular widening by distraction osteogenesis is an effective technique for the treatment of telescopic bite resulting from an extremely constricted mandible.