Rapid Maxillary Expansion: a general approach and clinical apllications. PartI

Leopoldino CAPELOZZA FILHO, Omar Gabriel da SILVA FILHO

The first part of this article focuses on the diagnosis of the maxillary dental arch constriction, emphasizing the arch form and the bucco-lingual position of the posterior teeth as determinant of the skeletal or dental constriction. A triangular dental arch associated to a correct bucco-lingual position of the posterior teeth indicates the need for enlarging its transverse dimensions with an orthopedic expansion, instead of an orthodontic expansion. As a rule, the unilateral posterior crossbite, wich is the most, but not the only, evident clinical characteristic of the maxillary constriction, is associated to a functional deviation of the mandible. Such functional aspect calls for an early correction of the posterior crossbites as soon as they are diagnosed, regardless of the stage of the occlusion. Along the text, a summarized historical description of the development and slow acceptance of rapid maxillary expansion by the orthodontists is made. In order to archieve an orthopedic expansion of the maxilla we use the Hass appliance, once it is able to provide a ral maxillary disjunction. Finally, the article shows the importance of the centric relation as an early and preventive therapeutical goal to the TMJ problems.

Keywords: Maxillary constriction. Rapid maxillary expansion. Centric relation. Haas expander.

Thursday, May 02, 2024 13:50