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Hemifacial Microsomia is characterized by bilateral or unilateral underdevelopment of the ear, narrowing of the opening of the eye, bilateral or unilateral underdevelopment of the lower jaw, and bilateral or unilateral reduction in size and flattening of the upper jaw. Due to the development and the delayed growth of the affected regions, the effects of hemifacial microsomia will be more evident as it grows. The lower and upper jaws may cause breathing problems due to the lack of development, as well as a dental malocclusion which will have to be treated orthodontically and surgically. Treatment for hemifacial microsomia requires the expertise of an orthodontist with experience of these problems and a craniofacial surgeon. The jaw anomality must be reconstructed as early as 3 years of age if the mandibular retrusion has a severity level which is enough to create airway complications. The jaw correction may be performed by extending the mandible with a rib graft or with utilization of a distraction instrument. The distraction of the mandible involves cutting the bones of the jaw and inserting 2 pins on affected jaw. Daily, the pins are manually pushed apart and new bone is generated in the region of the jaw. The best achievement to reconstruct the jaw may be decided by the doctor and is specific for each individual. If it is necessary, the ear reconstruction is done in 4 stages and usually begins at the age of 6. During the life, the individuals with Hemifacial Microsomia have to maintain adequate dental occlusion by a special orthodontic treatment.
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