DDO (Dentoalveolar Distraction Osteogenesis)

In certain groups of patients with more severe orthodontic problems, DDO (Dentoalveolar Distraction Ostegenesis) may be indicated. The procedure has been shown to expedite the safe, rapid movement of teeth, and to shorten treatment time significantly. The other main benefit is the reduction in complications sometimes associated with orthodontics such as root resorption, bone loss, and relapse. The advent of this procedure has made it possible to perform orthodontic treatment without extractions or major jaw surgery in more severe cases.The surgery is an outpatient procedure, done in the office of an oral surgeon or other dental professional who is trained in the technique. The DDO technique involves incisions in the gums around the teeth and performing small bone cuts in the jaws along with the placement of synthetic bone grafts. The procedure takes between two to three hours and is considered minor periodontal plastic surgery. About ten days after the procedure, we will instruct you on essential elastic wear necessary to facilitate tooth movement with DDO in a more accelerated fashion versus traditional orthodontics.

Recovery from DDO Surgery

***These instructions are not to be taken for personal use. Your surgeon should give you specific instructions suited for your specific surgery. The following is to serve as background for what to expect for your recovery in general***

The first few days after surgery patients will experience moderate swelling around the surgical sites and in the face in general. Mild drainage for up to a week is also common. The surgery normally does not result in facial bruising. Depending on the surgeon, narcotic pain medication or acetaminophen may be prescribed. Anti-inflammatory drugs are NOT recommended (i.e. Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.) as they decrease the welcome inflammatory process necessary for the bone growth needed for treatment success.

In order to control the bleeding, gauze should be placed around the surgical areas and light pressure applied. This should be continued until all bleeding has stopped.

For the first twenty four hours, it is recommended that ice packs be held against the face twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off.After the first day, warm wet cloths should replace the ice. This will promote blood flow through the region which will aid in healing and decrease the swelling.

After twenty four hours you should perform warm saltwater rinses three times a day. To do this place a teaspoon of salt in a glass of luke-warm water and gently swish it in your mouth for one minute. This will speed up the healing process.

You may brush your teeth outside of the surgery areas as normal. After one week you may begin cleaning the areas involved in the surgery. To clean the surgical sites you will be given a bottle of antimicrobial mouth rinse (chlorhexidine)- rinse three times a day. A Q-tip may be dipped in the chlorhedine and used to clean the teeth and gums at the surgical sites. Be careful not to disturb the gums and sutures.


A liquid diet is prescribed for the first few days following surgery. Taking in a lot of fluids and Vitamin C is recommended. Only soft foods are permitted for the following four weeks to allow the gum tissue and graft sites to heal properly.

Orthodontic Adjustments after Surgery

It takes roughly ten days to recover from the procedure, at which time for the first two months, we will see you every ten days. For the third month, we will see you every two weeks; thereafter, a regular appointment schedule normally resumes.

AcceleDent® Aura

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Your orthodontics work on their own by moving your teeth in specific directions. AcceleDent® Aura uses SoftPulse Technology® to generate small vibrations, or micropulses, enhancing the movements directed by your orthodontics, allowing for faster tooth movement.