Author: drdental

bone grafting is a procedure that adds graft material to an area where jawbone volume or quality is not adequate. In dentistry, it is commonly used to support dental implants or to help preserve bone after tooth extraction. The graft can come from the patient, a donor source, an animal-derived source, or a synthetic material. Over time, the graft is intended to act as a scaffold and/or stimulus for new bone formation, depending on the material and case.

midface distraction is a surgical technique that gradually moves the middle third of the face forward using a mechanical device. It is a form of **distraction osteogenesis**, meaning new bone forms as the area is slowly widened or advanced. It is most commonly used in craniofacial and orthognathic care to address a retruded (underdeveloped) midface. It may be discussed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, craniofacial teams, and orthodontists working together.

mandibular distraction is a surgical technique that gradually lengthens the lower jaw (mandible) using a mechanical device. It is based on “distraction osteogenesis,” meaning new bone forms as two bone segments are slowly separated. It is commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and craniofacial care to improve jaw size, bite relationships, and sometimes the airway. It may be used in children, teens, or adults depending on the diagnosis and clinical goals.

distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique that gradually creates new bone by slowly separating two bone segments. It is commonly used in the jaws and face to lengthen or rebuild bone and the surrounding soft tissues. In dentistry, it is often discussed for jaw correction and for increasing bone height or length to support function and, in some cases, future tooth replacement. The process happens over time using a device called a distractor.

Occlusal cant correction is the process of leveling a “tilted” bite plane so the upper and lower teeth meet more evenly. An occlusal cant means the occlusal plane (the chewing surface line of the teeth) is higher on one side than the other. It is commonly discussed in orthodontics, prosthodontics, and orthognathic (jaw) surgery planning. In patient terms, it addresses a smile or bite that looks and functions “slanted.”

clockwise rotation means turning an object in the same direction as the hands of a clock. In dentistry, it describes how a clinician turns an instrument, a screw-type device, or even a dispensing tip during material placement. It is commonly referenced in restorative dentistry (placing resin materials), implant dentistry (threaded components), and endodontics (file or instrument motion). The clinical goal is usually controlled movement to improve handling, seating, or adaptation of a device or material.

counterclockwise rotation means turning or moving in the direction opposite a clock’s hands. In dentistry, it most often describes a deliberate turning motion used while placing or adjusting dental materials or components. It can be discussed in restorative dentistry (filling placement), prosthodontics (screws/abutments), and endodontics (file motion), depending on context. The exact purpose depends on the procedure and the tool or material being manipulated.

mandibular setback is a surgical movement that repositions the lower jaw (mandible) backward. It is most commonly part of orthognathic (jaw) surgery used to correct certain bite problems. It aims to improve how the teeth fit together and how the jaws relate in function and appearance. Planning often involves coordination between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist.

mandibular advancement means positioning the lower jaw (mandible) forward from its usual resting bite. It is used in dentistry, orthodontics, and sleep medicine to change jaw position and related anatomy. It may be achieved with an oral appliance, orthodontic device, or jaw surgery, depending on the goal. It is commonly discussed in the context of snoring/obstructive sleep apnea and bite or jaw alignment.

maxillary expansion surgery is a surgical approach used to widen the upper jaw (the maxilla) when it is too narrow. It is most often combined with orthodontic treatment to help correct a crossbite, create space, or improve upper–lower jaw fit. In many cases, it supports planned tooth movement by making the upper arch broader and more stable. It is commonly considered when non-surgical expansion is less predictable, especially in skeletally mature patients.