ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of posterior maxillary segmental osteotomy in the management of dentofacial deformity. A variety of patients with dentofacial deformity were identified using clinical and photographic evaluation, dental radiographic examination with cephalometric analysis, and dental study models. Inclusion criteria were posterior maxillary alveolar hyperplasia, total maxillary alveolar hyperplasia, bilateral/unilateral crossbite, and distal repositioning of the posterior maxillary alveolar fragment to provide space for an impacted tooth. No significant complications were reported; however, reference was made to the authors' earlier work in which canine and associated regional alveolus was lost, in their opinion most likely due to devitalisation of the area. Posterior and total maxillary alveolar hyperplasia are now most commonly treated with a Le Fort I osteotomy including a differential posterior impaction, allowing for autorotation of the mandible to close an anterior open bite. Distal repositioning of the posterior maxillary alveolus is suggested for increasing arch length for management of orthodontic crowding, namely premolar or canine crowding.
