Mandibular Symphyseal L-Inverted Midline Osteotomy to Correct Mild Laterognathia and Malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the authors' experience with a new surgical technique to correct mild laterognathia and malocclusion by means of an L-inverted midline osteotomy. PATIENT AND METHODS: The patient was a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with left laterognathia and ipsilateral posterior crossbite. She was operated by using this novel technique in November 2009 at Hogar Clinica San Rafael, Maracaibo, Venezuela. Bicortical midline symphyseal vertical osteotomy was executed, followed by block removal of the central right inferior incisor and its surrounding alveolar bone. The mandibular segmentation was completed by means of a right hemimentoplasty. After this, a 4-mm right mandibular rotation was made, and titanium plates and monocortical screws of the 2.0 system were used to achieve the rigid fixation. RESULTS: The patient showed outstanding aesthetic and functional results after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This technique provides a new treatment option for the correction of mild laterognathia cases associated with dental malocclusion.