Variations of a standard approach for correction of the bird-face deformity.

Variations of a standard operation technique for the correction of the bird-face deformity on the basis of fundamental planning principles are described. The main principle is the lengthening of the mandibular base in the retromolar and mental regions. The preconditions for the feasibility of this procedure are: appropriate tooth extraction and retropositioning of the lower anterior segment in spite of a seemingly good preoperative occlusion. The correction planning must, in addition to the mandible, also consider the maxilla. The asymmetrical bird-face deformity is also corrected in one operation but it is first made symmetrical to facilitate its correction. Case illustrations with corresponding operation drawings demonstrate the variation possibilities of the surgical technique as adapted to particular cases.