Introduction: Distraction osteogenesis has become a mainstream surgical technique for patients with jaw deformities. It is a reliable method of correction with low relapse compared to conventional Osteotomies. Both hard and soft tissue advancement of maxilla can be achieved either by Le Fort I distraction or anterior maxillary distraction.

Aims and objectives: Aim of this study was to report the effect of distraction osteogenesis in treatment of 8 maxillary deficient cases of cleft lip and palate deformity.

Materials and methods: 8 patients aged 20–31 were treated by distraction osteogenesis. Out of these 8 cases Le Fort I osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis was done in 5 cases and anterior maxillary distraction was done in 3 cases. Criteria for selecting anterior maxillary osteotomy was clear voice without any hypernasality. Hyrax screw embedded in acrylic palatal plate was used for anterior maxillary distraction whereas Halo head device was used for total maxillary distraction. Amount of distraction ranged from 9 mm to 13 mm with distraction rate of .8–1 mm per day after latency period of 5 days. Follow up period ranged from 2 to 5 years.

Conclusion: Maxillary DO produces a successful treatment outcome, including improvement in jaw function, good esthetics, and occlusal stability with no relapse in maxillary deficient cases of cleft lip and palate.