Lengthening of mandibular body by gradual surgical-orthodontic distraction.

Lengthening of the mandibular body in two dogs was achieved with a technique that involved osteotomies and the use of an experimental orthodontic appliance; the approximation of the resected mandibular segments was maintained. There was no damage to the mandibular nerve and no conspicuous alterations of the nerve fibers. On the basis of results in experimental studies, the technique is proposed for use in correction of large discrepancies in length in persons with excessive mandibular retrusion.