Transverse changes determined by rapid and slow maxillary expansion--a low-dose CT-based randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To compare transverse skeletal changes produced by rapid (RME) and slow (SME) maxillary expansion using low-dose computed tomography. The null hypothesis was that SME and RME are equally effective in producing skeletal maxillary expansion in patients with posterior crossbite.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION:

This study was carried out at the Department of Oral Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Twelve patients (seven males, five females, mean age ± SD: 10.3 ± 2.5 years) were allocated to the SME group and 14 patients (six males, eight females, mean age ± SD: 9.7 ± 1.5 years) to the RME group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All patients received a two-band palatal expander and were randomly allocated to either RME or SME. Low-dose computed tomography was used to identify skeletal and dental landmarks and to measure transverse maxillary changes with treatment.

RESULTS:

A significant increase in skeletal transverse diameters was found in both SME and RME groups (anterior expansion = 2.2 ± 1.4 mm, posterior expansion = 2.2 ± 0.9 mm, pterygoid expansion = 0.9 ± 0.8 mm). No significant differences were found between groups at anterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.3 mm; RME = 2.5 ± 1.5 mm) or posterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.0 mm; RME = 2.4 ± 0.9 mm) locations, while a statistically significant difference was measured at the pterygoid processes (SME = 0.6 ± 0.6 mm; RME = 1.2 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), which was not clinically relevant.

CONCLUSION:

Rapid maxillary expansion is not more effective than SME in expanding the maxilla in patients with posterior crossbite.

• Authors: R Martina, I Cioffi, M Farella, P Leone, P Manzo, G Matarese, M Portelli, R Nucera, G Cordasco
• Journal: Orthodontics & craniofacial research (Orthod Craniofac Res) Vol. 15 Issue 3 Pg. 159-68 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1601-6343 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22812438 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Topics

• Anatomic Landmarks (diagnostic imaging)
• Cephalometry (methods)
• Child
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Malocclusion (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Maxilla (diagnostic imaging)
• Molar (diagnostic imaging)
• Multidetector Computed Tomography (methods)
• Orthodontic Appliance Design
• Palatal Expansion Technique (instrumentation)
• Radiation Dosage
• Sphenoid Bone (diagnostic imaging)
• Time Factors
• Tooth Crown (diagnostic imaging)
• Tooth Root (diagnostic imaging)