Correction of mandibular asymmetry using angled titanium mesh.

PURPOSE

Our goal was to evaluate and present a technique of correcting facial asymmetry involving the mandible using angled titanium mesh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1990 to 2006, 5 patients underwent augmentation of the mandibular angle with titanium mesh in conjunction with orthognathic surgery. The angle mesh was placed to correct a unilateral lower-third facial asymmetry. The mesh was placed in a subperiosteal fashion and fixated with monocortical screws. The facial asymmetries were a result of either congenital defects or trauma. A combination of clinical and radiographic examination findings, photographs, and occlusal records were used to evaluate the treatment outcome.

RESULTS

All 5 patients were treated successfully using the titanium mesh to augment the mandibular angle in conjunction with orthognathic surgery. No implant infection, migration, or exposure occurred. The esthetic outcome was deemed satisfactory by both the patients and the clinicians.

CONCLUSION

Facial asymmetries that involve the mandible can be corrected by placement of an angled titanium mesh in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.