Prague Med. Rep. 2023, 124, 265-282

https://doi.org/10.14712/23362936.2023.21

Rehabilitation of Dentofacial Asymmetry Secondary to Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis with Dual Distraction and Fixed Orthodontics – Stability at Three-year Follow-up

Harpreet Singh1, Sonal Mishra2, Dhirendra Srivastava2, Poonam Sharma1, Lokesh Chandra2, Pranav Kapoor1, Raj Kumar Maurya3

1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, New Delhi, India
2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ESIC Dental College and Hospital, New Delhi, India
3Department of Orthodontics, Central Government Dental Unit, Dehradun, India

Received November 27, 2022
Accepted August 17, 2023

Optimal rehabilitation of asymmetric dentofacial deformity secondary to unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is often a challenge. The purpose of this case series is to present an insight into esthetic, occlusal and functional rehabilitation of two patients with varying degree of asymmetric Class II dentofacial deformities secondary to long-standing unilateral TMJ ankylosis. The patients were treated with one-stage surgical protocol employing simultaneous dual distraction technique along with interpositional arthroplasty. Dual distraction technique entailed the simultaneous use of two distractors which allowed for proper control of proximal condylar segment during the course of distraction and lowering the risk of ankylosis recurrence. Thereafter, comprehensive fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy involving the use of temporary anchorage devices was instituted to align and level the compensated dentition. Post-treatment records showed significant improvements in skeletal disharmony and functional stability with good functional occlusion. At the three-year follow-up, the morphological and functionally acceptable results were reasonably well-maintained, with no signs of relapse. Through the two cases reported here, we would like to highlight that one-stage concurrent arthroplasty and dual distraction technique is a safe, stable, and reliable approach for surgical and functional rehabilitation of an adult asymmetric dentofacial deformity secondary to unilateral TMJ ankylosis. Meticulously executed comprehensive orthodontic manipulations involving use of acrylic bite-blocks, elastic traction, and temporary skeletal anchorage device play a crucial role in enhancing the final occlusal outcomes.

References

19 live references

Open full article