An experimental study of mandibular arch widening in the dog using distraction osteogenesis.

Purpose: This study evaluated the amount of skeletal and dental widening of the mandible in the dog produced by using a tooth-borne distraction device.

Materials And Methods: Four adult mongrel dogs had osteotomies performed in the parasymphysis region and had a tooth-borne distraction appliance placed to widen the mandible 10 mm. The interarch distance between the canines and between the fourth premolar teeth, as well as between the intrabony markers, was compared.

Results: The canine teeth moved 95% of the distraction device movement, whereas the bone widened 55% of the distraction device movement. Histological evaluation showed woven bone formation within the distraction gap.

Conclusion: This study shows that a tooth-borne mandibular widening device will move the teeth significantly more than the bone.