Objective To analyze the application of rigid intra-oral tooth borne distraction device in dento-alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Methods Six patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for maxillary and/or mandibular canine tooth from January to December 2016 in Hanzhong Central Hospital were collected. The bilateral canine tooth was retracted after the first premolar extraction by using the conventional method, and were distracted by the rigid intra-oral tooth borne distraction device, which was made of stainless steel. The tooth movement distance and time, pain and adverse reaction of patients in the process of orthodontics were investigated. Results The number of orthodontic tooth of each patient was 2–4, and the movement range of canine retraction was 6.5–8.0 mm. The time required for canine tooth moving to the second premolar was 13–17 days, and the canine tooth of all the patients were moved, inclined and buccal expanded after three weeks of enhanced fusion. Two patients felt pain and discomfort, one patient experienced buccal mucosa ulcer, and none of the six patients suffered from dysmasesia, dysphagia, periodontitis or tooth enamel loss. Conclusion As an effective tool for orthodontic treatment, the new rigid intra-oral tooth borne distraction device could accelerate the speed of canine movement, and shorten the orthodontic time with few adverse reactions.