What is Distraction Osteogenisis?
For some children with more severe facial problems more oral surgery becomes necessary when they are teenagers. Distraction Osteogenisis (DO) is a surgical technique in which bones in the jaw are cut and an appliance applied. This procedure is usually done to advance the mid-face or upper jaw. After surgery the appliance is left on for 6-8 weeks and gradually adjusted, moving the bones (distraction). The bone then responds by filling the gap with new bone. Mispositioned bones may then be gradually brought into more correct alignment. It may look awkward but is really fairly painless.
