New Jaw Bone
By Dr. Linda Niessen -- Baylor College of Dentistry STORY: New Jaw Bone SCRIPT #391 AIRDATE: Monday, Sept. 1, 2003 DHC Master #13 Timecode: 38:44
Monday, September 01, 2003
Almost 100 years ago, Russian doctors first discovered how the body grows new segments of bone. The contraption on a person's leg can actually lengthen and widen leg bone. Now, orthodontists and oral surgeons are adapting these methods to lengthen and widen jawbones.
“We take a bone, cut it into two segments, let the segments heal for a period of seven days and slowly stretch the two bone segments apart at a rate of about a half a millimeter twice a day,” Dr. Jason Cope said.
This new technique has a technical name: distraction osteogenesis. Simply put, the orthodontist and surgeon change the length of jawbones by using the body’s natural healing ability. The amazing process begins with surgery. Doctors first cut the lower jaw. This simulates a fracture and signals the body to start making new bone. Next, surgeons implant brackets with adjustable screws. The screws are turned millimeter by millimeter to lengthen the jawbone as the body heals.
Martin Kent, 17, had a severe under bite. Doctors corrected it using the distraction osteogenesis method. “I think it made an improvement in my facial structure and looks better,” Martin said.
“The great thing about distraction in a case like Martin’s is this is really a more definitive way and in a relatively short period of time,” Dr. Terry Adams said.
If you have problems with your bite because your lower jaw is too small, look into this new combined surgical and orthodontic technique. For Baylor College of Dentistry, The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center in Dallas, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen.
Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.
