Giant panda Bei Xia receives world-first treatment for jaw asymmetry

(ECNS) -- Bei Xia was born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in 2022. Less than 24 hours after birth, its left forelimb and jaw were injured by its mother, and the severely injured forelimb was later amputated. As the cub grew, its lower jaw gradually shifted to the left, interfering with normal sucking and chewing.

A team from the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, adapted principles used in human orthodontics and fitted Bei Xia with customized appliances and elastic bands to guide jaw development. The treatment lasted six months.

After treatment, the mandibular deviation was largely corrected, while normal sucking, chewing and swallowing functions were restored.

(By Intern Yang Hongran, Zhang Dongfang)