Hendrik Terheyden

Intermaxillary fixation is usually accomplished utilizing either interdental wiring or arch bars. This technique, however, is not possible in those patients who are either edentulous or have severe hypodontia.

Immobilization can also be obtained utilizing circumzygomatic or piriform aperture suspension wires in combination with circumferential mandibular wiring to immobilize a mandibular fracture. Usually this method requires general anesthesia (Krüger, 1964).

Dal Pont (1965) described a less invasive method of achieving intermaxillary fixation with hooks that engaged the inferior mandibular border and the piriform aperture. The disadvantage of hooks is their tendency to dislocate.