Sagittal splitting of the body of the mandible (Mehnert's technique) for correction of open bite and deep over bite.

The sliding of the inner and outer cortex of the mandible based on the sagittal splitting (Obsegeser 1955) is usually confined to the ramus and angle area. It can, however, also be performed in the body of the mandible even in cases with normal dentition. In these cases, the sagittal split is carried out below the dentoalveolar region (Mehnert 1959). The technical possibilities and the experiences made are shown. It can be concluded that this technique is particularly indicated in cases of open bite and severe deep over bite whether they are associated or not with a prognathism or retromandibulism of moderate degree.