title: Taking the guesswork out of mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis.
abstract: Mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis has recently been introduced as a means of resolving arch length deficiencies in the anterior segment and as a method of reducing large vestibular spaces related to a narrow mandible. Accurately relating the required distraction for a given anterior tooth mass and desired future anteroposterior location of the central incisors has not been possible until recently. The relationship between these 3 controlling factors has been mathematically described by the hyperbolic cosine function and a computer program designed for easy use by the clinician. Two clinical cases illustrate the application of the program. A Web site where the program can be downloaded at no cost is mentioned.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Hnat
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Hnat
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Legan
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012984:Software; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques; D014097:Tooth, Unerupted / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome