Preprosthetic vertical distraction in the anterior mandible. The distraction of the alveolar process in cases of severe bone atrophy or postraumatic defects represents an alternative to bone grafting. Especially when insufficient soft tissue is the limitating factor, distraction becomes the method of first choice. Different intraoral devices have been developed. The use of two different distraction devices was used in the treatment of the alveolar process of the anterior mandible. Treatment of partial edentulous and edentulous patients and distraction after oral implantation were performed. The advantages of distraction osteogenesis are lack of bone harvesting morbidity and simultaneous soft tissue reconstruction. Inspite of various overlapping the selection of the right type of device depends on the size of the bone segment and the absence or existence of teeth or endosseous implants inside the segment. Lingual displacement of the segment is the main complication. Therefore fixation of the distraction devices to neighboring teeth has to be performed or stable devices have to be used. Continuous follow up is needed to prevent complications. Schlagwörter: vertical distraction, distraction osteogenesis, preprosthetic surgery