Correction of mandibular dentoalveolar retrusion by segmental mandibular surgery.

Mandibular dentoalveolar retrusion is a common problem that often can be related to missing or extracted teeth in the mandibular arch. The correction of this type of malformation through surgical mandibular advancement to eliminate the large overjet significantly increases the chin prominence, resulting in a poor facial appearance. With the use of a combined orthodontic and surgical treatment that includes segmental osteotomies of the anterior part of the mandible, this negative effect can be avoided and arch length can be restored. This procedure was carried out in three patients aged 26 to 33 years. The bony spaces created distal to the anterior segment were filled with iliac bone grafts. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, the missing premolars were replaced with conventional fixed dentures, bonded prostheses, or implants.