Effect of different palatal expanders with miniscrews in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion: A non-linear finite element analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) has been the treatment of choice in subjects presenting skeletally mature sutures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distribution and displacement of the craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures resulting from three types of palatal expanders with surgical assistance using a non-linear finite element analysis. Material and Methods: Three different palatal expanders were designed: Model-I (tooth-bone-borne type containing four miniscrews), Model-II (tooth-bone-borne type containing two miniscrews), and Model-III (bone-borne type containing four miniscrews). A Le Fort I osteotomy was performed, and a total of 5.0 mm palatal expansion was simulated. Nonlinear analysis (three theory) method (geometric nonlinear theory, nonlinear contact theory, and nonlinear material methods) was used to evaluate stress and displacement of several craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures. Results: Regardless of the maxillary expander device type, surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion produces greater anterior maxillary expansion than posterior (ANS ranged from 2.675 mm to 3.444 mm, and PNS ranged from 0.522 mm to 1.721 mm); Model-I showed more parallel midpalatal suture opening pattern - PNS/ANS equal to 54%. In regards to ANS, Model-II (1.159 mm) and Model-III (1.000 mm) presented larger downward displacement than Model-I (0.343 mm). PNS displaced anteriorly more than ANS for all devices; Model-III presented the largest amount of forward displacement for PNS (1.147 mm) and ANS (1.064 mm). All three type of expanders showed similar dental displacement, and minimal craniofacial sutures separation. As expected, different maxillary expander designs produce different primary areas and levels of stresses (the bone-borne expander presented minimal stress at the teeth and the tooth-bone-borne expander with two miniscrews presented the highest). Conclusions: Based on this finite element method/finite element analysis, the results showed that different maxillary expander designs produce different primary areas and levels of stresses, minimal displacement of the craniofacial sutures, and different skeletal V-shape expansion.

RESUMO Introdução: A expansão rápida da maxila assistida cirurgicamente (ERMAC) tem sido o tratamento de escolha em indivíduos que apresentam suturas esqueleticamente maduras. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, utilizando uma análise não linear com elementos finitos, a distribuição de tensões e os deslocamentos das estruturas craniofaciais e dentoalveolares gerados por três tipos de expansores palatinos usados na ERMAC. Material e Métodos: Três tipos de expansores palatinos foram projetados: Modelo I (dento-osseossuportado com quatro mini-implantes), Modelo II (dento-osseossuportado com dois mini-implantes) e Modelo III (osseossuportado com quatro mini-implantes). Uma osteotomia Le Fort I foi realizada e foi simulada uma expansão palatina total de 5,0 mm. Um método de análise não linear (três teorias - teoria da não-linearidade geométrica, teoria do contato não linear e métodos para materiais não lineares) foi utilizado para avaliar a tensão e o deslocamento de diversas estruturas craniofaciais e dentoalveolares. Resultados: Independentemente do tipo de aparelho expansor palatino, a ERMAC produziu maior expansão anterior da maxila do que posterior (ENA variou de 2,675 mm a 3,444 mm e ENP variou de 0,522 mm a 1,721 mm); o Modelo I apresentou padrão de abertura mais paralela da sutura palatina mediana, com ENP/ENA igual a 54%. Com relação à ENA, o Modelo II (1,159 mm) e o Modelo III (1,000 mm) apresentaram maior deslocamento para baixo do que o Modelo I (0,343 mm). A ENP deslocou-se mais para anterior do que a ENA com todos os aparelhos; o Modelo III apresentou o maior deslocamento para anterior da ENP (1,147 mm) e da ENA (1,064 mm). Os três tipos de expansores apresentaram deslocamento dentário semelhante e separação mínima das suturas craniofaciais. Como esperado, diferentes designs de expansores palatinos produzem diferentes áreas primárias e níveis de tensões (o expansor osseossuportado apresentou tensão mínima nos dentes, e o expansor dento-osseossuportado com dois mini-implantes apresentou o maior). Conclusões: Com base nesse estudo de elementos finitos, os resultados mostraram que diferentes designs de expansores palatinos produzem diferentes áreas primárias e níveis de tensão, com deslocamento mínimo das suturas craniofaciais e diferentes expansões esqueléticas em forma de V.

Effect of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion on mandibular position / 口腔医学

Objective@#To explore the effect of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) on mandible position in the treatment of adult skeletal Class Ⅰ malocclusion with maxillary transverse deficiency. @*Methods@#In this retrospective study, 20 cases of adult skeletal Class Ⅰ malocclusion with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with MARPE in our hospital from July 2019 to March 2022 were selected as research objects. CBCT data of three time points before treatment (T0), immediately after expansion (T1) and six months after retention (T2) were collected. The head position was standardized and calibrated by Dolphin software, and then mandible landmarks (left and right Condylion, left and right Gonion, Menton) were positioned. The linear distance changes of each landmark relative to the reference plane of coronal plane, axial plane and sagittal plane were measured, which represented the sagittal, vertical and horizontal displacement of mandible respectively. Repeated measurement ANOVA and LSD multiple comparison were used to evaluate the position change of each landmark.@*Results @#The Menton and right Gonion rotated clockwise at T1, and relapsed to the initial position at T2. No lateral displacement of Menton was found.@*Conclusion@#When MARPE is used to treat skeletal Class Ⅰ malocclusion with maxillary transverse deficiency, it causes a transient clockwise rotation of the mandiblar. The mandible does not show sagittal, vertical and horizontal position changes in long-term evaluation.

Post-Expansion and End of Treatment Outcomes of Semi-Rapid Maxillary Expansion with a Modified Removable Appliance

Context: Maxillary expansion is the mainstay therapy for maxillary transverse deficiency. There has been a constant search for the most effective yet biologically friendly method of maxillary expansion, alternatives being, slow, rapid and semi rapid. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the outcome of palatal expansion achieved using a removable plate and low continuous forces brought about by a semi rapid screw activation protocol. Settings and Design: Retrospective study. Methods and Material: Plaster models of 56 consecutive patients treated for maxillary expansion were obtained pre?treatment (T0), post?expansion (T1), and post fixed appliance treatment (T2). The radiographic images of the models were traced using Image J software. Linear and angular measurements were evaluated to measure transverse change. Statistical Analysis Used: Interclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] and Dahlberg’s formula were used for reliability test. The differences in the mean values between the three duration groups [T0, T1 and T2] were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). For multiple comparisons, a post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test was performed. Results: Significant increase in inter?molar, alveolar and palatal linear widths were observed from T0 to T1 with significant relapses from T1 to T2, with an overall net gain remaining at T2. Similarly, significant increases in all angular measurements were observed from T0 to T1 with significant relapses from T1 to T2 and an overall insignificant change at T2 as compared to T0. Conclusion: The appliance and protocol were effective in producing transverse expansion with minimal molar and alveolar tipping.

Evaluating the effect of midpalatal corticotomy-assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the upper airway in young adults using computational fluid dynamics / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Midpalatal corticotomy-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MCRME) is a minimally invasive treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) in young adults. However, the effect of MCRME on respiratory function still needs to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the changes in maxillary morphology and the upper airway following MCRME using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Twenty patients with MTD (8 males, 12 females; mean age 20.55 years) had cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken before and after MCRME. The CBCT data were used to construct a three-dimensional (3D) upper airway model. The upper airway flow characteristics were simulated using CFD, and measurements were made based on the CBCT images and CFD. The results showed that the widths of the palatal bone and nasal cavity, and the intermolar width were increased significantly after MCRME. The volume of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx increased significantly, while there were no obvious changes in the volumes of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. CFD simulation of the upper airway showed that the pressure drop and maximum velocity of the upper airway decreased significantly after treatment. Our results suggest that in these young adults with MTD, increasing the maxillary width, upper airway volume, and quantity of airflow by MCRME substantially improved upper airway ventilation.

Advances and applications of the maxillary expansion technique / 口腔疾病防治

@#Transverse maxillary deficiency is a common malocclusion in the clinic. Palatal expansion techniques are commonly used in the treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency. Traditional palatal expansion techniques have good effects on the treatment of children and adolescents whose palatal suture has not yet closed, but the effects on adult patients are unsatisfied. New palatal expansion techniques, such as miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion and surgical-assisted maxillary expansion, have increased the age-related indications for palatal expansion, and their bone expansion effect has been strengthened. With the development of CAD/CAM technology and 3D printing technology, techniques such as Invisalign and personalized appliances have been developed and have promising application prospects. To provide references for the clinical treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency, palatal expansion techniques are reviewed from the following aspects: mechanism and indications, expansion pattern, traditional and new palatal expansion appliances, stability and retention of palatal expansion, outlook of future expanders, etc.

Effect of personalized miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander on expansion of the median palatal suture in adults / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To investigate the manufacturing procedures of personalized miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expanders (pMARPE) using digital technologies and to evaluate the effect of the expanders when expanding the midpalatal suture of an adult. @*Methods@# Digital technologies were used to make pMARPE, which was used to treat a 21-year-old woman with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD). The relevant literature on MARPE was reviewed.@* Results@#PMARPE could be manufactured using intraoral digital scanning, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing(CAD/CAM ), and 3D printing technologies. After expansion, the width of the anterior midpalatal suture, posterior midpalatal suture and maxillary skeletal width increased by 3.9 mm, 3.2 mm and 4.7 mm, respectively. There was no significant change in the inclination of maxillary first molars, and the height of alveolar ridge decreased slightly. It could be seen that using digital technologies to manufacture personalized expanders was possible for MARPE , and the initial stability of miniscrews played an important role in the expansion success rate, the increase of molar inclination is composed of many parts, and the decrease of alveolar ridge height may be overestimated due to the measurement method, as shown by a literature review. @*Conclusion@#The midpalatal suture of an adult patient with MTD could be expanded by pMARPE. However, the effect of this expander on the inclination of the first molar and alveolar bone height needs to be further studied with a larger sample size.

Maxillary skeletal expander for maxillary transverse deficiency: Application and strengths / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Maxillary skeletal expander is a non-surgical expansion technique of the maxilla. It is different from the traditional maxillary rapid expander, micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion, and surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion. It provides new ideas and methods for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency, and especially for adult patients with the growth finished, provides an efficient and minimally invasive bone expansion. OBJECTIVE: To review the application and advantage of the maxillary skeletal expander in the treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency, providing scientific reference for the clinical therapeutic schedule in such patients. METHODS: A computer search for Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Database, and CBM databases was performed for Chinese and English literature related to the maxillary expansion device published before May 31st, 2019. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The maxillary skeletal expander is an effective method for correcting the maxillary transverse deficiency, and the expansion of the arch is not limited by age. This device also has a good outcome in bone expansion for adults. The maxillary skeletal expander expands the entire mid-face structure, causing the mid-sacral suture to be parallel, followed by ruptured palatine suture, increased width between the zygomatic bones, as well as the entire nasal cavity involving the upper nasal bone area is widened. This device also causes less adverse reactions, for example, the teeth are inclined buccally and the height of the alveolar bone is reduced.

Non-surgical treatment of transverse deficiency in adults using Microimplant-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Maxillary transverse deficiency is a highly prevalent malocclusion present in all age groups, from primary to permanent dentition. If not treated on time, it can aggravate and evolve to a more complex malocclusion, hindering facial growth and development. Aside from the occlusal consequences, the deficiency can bring about serious respiratory problems as well, due to the consequent nasal constriction usually associated. In growing patients, this condition can be easily handled with a conventional rapid palatal expansion. However, mature patients are frequently subjected to a more invasive procedure, the surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). More recently, researches have demonstrated that it is possible to expand the maxilla in grown patients without performing osteotomies, but using microimplants anchorage instead. This novel technique is called microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE). Objective: The aim of the present article was to demonstrate and discuss a MARPE technique developed by Dr. Won Moon and colleagues at University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). Methods: All laboratory and clinical steps needed for its correct execution are thoroughly described. For better comprehension, a mature patient case is reported, detailing all the treatment progress and results obtained. Conclusion: It was concluded that the demonstrated technique could be an interesting alternative to SARPE in the majority of non-growing patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. The present patient showed important occlusal and respiratory benefits following the procedure, without requiring any surgical intervention.

RESUMO Introdução: a deficiência transversa da maxila é uma má oclusão com alta prevalência em todas as faixas etárias, da dentição decídua à permanente. Se não for corrigida, pode agravar-se com o passar do tempo, prejudicando o crescimento e desenvolvimento facial. Além dos prejuízos oclusais, essa deficiência pode trazer problemas respiratórios também severos, devido à consequente constrição da cavidade nasal. Em pacientes em crescimento, a sua resolução é relativamente simples, por meio da expansão rápida convencional da maxila. Porém, os pacientes já maduros geralmente são encaminhados para um procedimento mais invasivo, a expansão rápida de maxila assistida cirurgicamente (SARPE). Mais recentemente, pesquisadores têm demonstrado que é possível executar a expansão palatal esquelética em pacientes adultos sem auxílio de osteotomias, mas sim com auxílio de mini-implantes. Essa técnica é denominada Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, ou MARPE. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente artigo é demonstrar e discutir uma das técnicas disponíveis de MARPE, desenvolvida por Won Moon e colaboradores, na University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Métodos: a técnica encontra-se detalhadamente descrita, com as etapas laboratoriais e clínicas que devem ser seguidas para sua correta execução. Para descrevê-la, é apresentado o caso clínico de uma paciente adulta, detalhando toda a sequência do tratamento e os resultados obtidos. Conclusão: a técnica apresentada pode ser uma alternativa não invasiva à SARPE na resolução da deficiência transversa de maxila, podendo ser empregada na maioria dos pacientes com crescimento facial finalizado. A paciente apresentada demonstrou benefícios significativos nos aspectos oclusal e respiratório, sem a necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica.

Determination of normal maxillary transverse dimension by using intercanine width and interpalatal first molar width.

Background: Malocclusion in the vertical and sagittal planes is easy to observe whereas it is difficult to diagnose malocclusion in the transverse plane. There are yet no criteria defining a normal transverse occlusion. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify a ratio that defines a normal transverse occlusion. Study Design: This was a retrospective study. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 151 maxillary dental models (M = 55, F = 96) in the age range of 12-16 years were randomly selected, with 73 models in control group and 78 in the study group. All the models were mixed up and given to an operator for the measurement of intercanine width (ICW) and inter-palatal molar width (IPMW). Statistical Analysis Used : The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Chi-square test was performed to test the statistical significance difference between the groups at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Nearly 98.60% of normal arches were found to have an IPMW to ICW ratio of 1:1 ± 0.05. On further analysis, it was found that when IPMW ≥37.45 mm, then the case may be considered to have normal arches, and if the ratio between IPMW to ICW is 1.15:1 ± 0.05 or more and IPMW is <34.92 mm, then the case may be identified as deficient arch. Conclusion : The IPMW-to-ICW ratio can be used to differentiate deficient and normal arches. This hypothesis (Banker's hypothesis) is an easy and noninvasive method, using only two parameters, developed to help clinicians in identifying normal transverse dimension.

Diagnostic methods for assessing maxillary skeletal and dental transverse deficiencies: A systematic review / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the diagnostic tools available for assessing maxillary transverse deficiencies. METHODS: An electronic search of three databases was performed from their date of establishment to April 2015, with manual searching of reference lists of relevant articles. Articles were considered for inclusion if they reported the accuracy or reliability of a diagnostic method or evaluation technique for maxillary transverse dimensions in mixed or permanent dentitions. Risk of bias was assessed in the included articles, using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool-2. RESULTS: Nine articles were selected. The studies were heterogeneous, with moderate to low methodological quality, and all had a high risk of bias. Four suggested that the use of arch width prediction indices with dental cast measurements is unreliable for use in diagnosis. Frontal cephalograms derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were reportedly more reliable for assessing intermaxillary transverse discrepancies than posteroanterior cephalograms. Two studies proposed new three-dimensional transverse analyses with CBCT images that were reportedly reliable, but have not been validated for clinical sensitivity or specificity. No studies reported sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive values or likelihood ratios, or ROC curves of the methods for the diagnosis of transverse deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not enable solid conclusions to be drawn, owing to a lack of reliable high quality diagnostic studies evaluating maxillary transverse deficiencies. CBCT images are reportedly more reliable for diagnosis, but further validation is required to confirm CBCT's accuracy and diagnostic superiority.

Salvage rapid maxillary expansion for the relapse of maxillary transverse expansion after Le Fort I with parasagittal osteotomy

Maxillary transverse deficiency is one of the most common deformities among occlusal discrepancies. Typical surgical methods are segmental Le Fort I osteotomy and surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). This patient underwent a parasagittal split with a Le Fort I osteotomy to correct transverse maxillary deficiency. During follow-up, early transverse relapse occurred and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) application with removal of the fixative plate on the constricted side was able to regain the dimension again. RME application may be appropriate salvage therapy for such a case.

Tratamento conservador de uma má oclusão Classe I de Angle, com atresia maxilar e apinhamento anterior / The conservative treatment of Class I malocclusion with maxillary transverse deficiency and anterior teeth crowding

Este artigo relata o tratamento de uma paciente do sexo feminino, com 15 anos de idade, má oclusão Classe I de Angle, severo apinhamento anterossuperior, desvio da linha média superior para o lado esquerdo e atresia maxilar, associada à mordida cruzada posterior. Os procedimentos executados envolveram a expansão maxilar com disjuntor palatino do tipo Haas modificado e montagem de aparelho fixo com sistema Edgewise standard. Foram realizados desgastes proximais nos incisivos e caninos inferiores para o alinhamento anterior, bem como redução da discrepância de Bolton com excesso inferior. Esse caso foi apresentado à diretoria do Board Brasileiro de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial (BBO), representando a categoria livre escolha, como parte dos requisitos para a obtenção do título de Diplomado pelo BBO.

This report describes the treatment of a 15-year-old female patient with Angle Class I malocclusion, severe maxillary anterior crowding, maxillary midline shift to the left, and maxillary atresia associated with posterior crossbite. The treatment consisted of palatal expansion using a modified Haas expander and placement of a standard Edgewise fixed appliance. Interproximal reduction was performed on mandibular incisors and canines to align anterior teeth, as well as to reduce Bolton discrepancy due to wide mandibular teeth. This case was submitted to the Committee of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics (BBO) in the Free Case category as part of the requisites to obtain the BBO Diploma.

Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion: Report Of 5 Cases