Three-dimensional changes of maxilla after rapid maxillary expansion / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate three-dimensional changes of maxilla after rapid maxillary expansion (RME).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten patients treated with RME were included in the study. Spiral CT images were used to evaluate three-dimensional changes of the maxilla. A three-dimensional reference frame was set up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) ANS, PNS' and PNS displaced downward and forward. ANS-PNS plane rotated clockwise in the mid-sagittal plane. ANS-PNS' plane, which represents the real position of maxilla, was not changed in the mid-sagittal plane. The palatal suture was expanded in taper shape and two halves of the maxilla rotated in the frontal plane. (2) The maxillary suture was opened wider in the middle and narrower at both ends, which was like a spindle.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Three-dimensional changes were found after RME treatment. Spiral CT was useful in the three-dimensional evaluation of maxilla.</p>