Long-term results with the visor-osteotomy.

In 1975, a method of operation was described whereby the alveolar ridge of the mandible is osteotomied and moved on the visor principle. The two parts are fixed together with wires, thereby increasing the absolute height of the mandibular alveolar ridge. The visor-osteotomy, in conjunction with vestibuloplasty and lowering of the floor of the mouth, significantly improves the denture-bearing area, without the need for, and risk incurred by free-bone transplantation. The post-operative results after 5 years were recorded in ten patients. There was 18% resorption of the augmented alveolar ridge over the first year; in the second year it was 10% and in the third year 8% (0.6 mm); in the 4th and 5th years it was 3% (0.2 mm). The same amount of mandibular resorption occurs following a simple, total vestibuloplasty. Four years after a visor mandibular ridge augmentation, the mandible shows physiological resorption.