Surgical operations on the alveolar ridge to correct occlusal abnormalities

In spite of the great progress in orthodontics, there is still a large number of adult patients with malposition of teeth or jaws. Treatment is seldom possible without the help of surgical interventions in patients older than 16 years. A survey of the orthodontic operations on the alveolar process is given. It is based on the results observed over several years on a large number of patients treated in our clinic. The procedures are divided into operations completely replacing orthodontic treatment and those facilitating it. The operation that protrudes the alveolar process in cases of alveolomandibular retrusion belongs to the first group. This method supplements the one recommended by Hofer with its mucosal incision which circumvents the mental nerve and includes circumferential wiring. The surgical correction of maxillary protrusion is explained; a means to eliminate the long postoperative orthodontic treatment for correction of the deep overbite is pointed out. The repositioning and the retention of the maxillary median fragment are accomplished according to the principles of treatment of jaw fractures. I have presented my various methods for the correction of open bite. The last part of the article deals with my original method of surgery, which facilitates the orthodontic treatment for several dental malpositions. Corticotomy of maxillary and mandibular bone facilitates the displacement by subsequent orthodontic appliances either of a single tooth or of a group of teeth with their alveolar process. This saves precious time, and the danger of relapse is lessened.