Unilateral mandibular widening with distraction osteogenesis.

Mandibular widening with distraction osteogenesis (DO) has been shown to be an acceptable and stable treatment modality. Mandibular widening with DO is useful in relieving crowding and for restoring a rotated mandibular arch segment to its original condition. This is especially true when a patient has a unilateral medial displacement of the proximal segment of the mandible or a unilateral Brodie bite. This case report shows the application of mandibular widening with DO for skeletal reconstruction and prosthodontic preparation in a patient with unilateral medial displacement of the proximal segment of the mandible. The design of the osteotomy line and the placement of the distractor must be taken into consideration in a detailed procedure for unilateral mandibular widening of the mandible.