Combined simultaneous distraction osteogenesis of the maxilla and mandibleusing a single distraction device in hemifacial microsomia

Facial asymmetry in hemifacial microsomia can be corrected by an effective procedure of gradual distraction of the mandible. In younger children with deciduous dentition, changes in dental occlusion secondary from mandibular distraction can be easily corrected with orthodontic treatment. In older pa tients, mandibular elongation through distraction osteogenesis can produce good aesthetics but can create a severe alteration in occlusion requiring c omplex orthodontic treatment during an extended period. A Le Fort I osteoto my was performed simultaneously with mandibular corticotomy to avoid this p roblem. We present an 11-year-old patient with grade II hemifacial microsom ia with facial asymmetry that was corrected with a combined simultaneous di straction of the maxilla and mandible using a single mandibular distraction device and an interdental splint. Excellent facial symmetry was achieved w hile maintaining preexisting dental occlusion.