Longitudinal Cephalometric Appraisal of Rapid Maxillary Expansion Effects

Daniela Gamba GARIB, José Fernando Castanha HENRIQUES, Guilherme JANSON

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) induces skeletal changes in the anteroposterior and vertical directions of the face, concurrently with the midpalatal suture opening. Therefore, this cephalometric study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects that banded rapid maxillary expanders may have on the sagittal aspect of the facial complex. The sample consisted of 25 patients with either Class I or II malocclusions with uni or bilateral posterior crossbite, who had undergone RME followed by standard edgewise therapy. This sample was compared with a group of 25 patients who had standard edgewise therapy without previous RME, and with a control group of 26 subjects, matched by age and gender with the patients of the other groups. The lateral cephalograms used were taken before treatment, at the end of treatment and 3 years posttreatment. Results showed that RME, in the long-term: did not have an effect on the anteroposterior position of the apical bones; did not change neither the facial growth pattern nor the facial vertical dimensions; did not produce significant changes in the upper first molar position, in the upper and lower incisor buccolingual inclinations, and in the overjet and overbite. Thus, it was concluded that the unfavorable cephalometric changes resulting immediately after RME are temporary, and therefore concerns about using this procedure in patients with vertical growth pattern are not substantiated.

Keywords: Cephalometrics. Rapid maxillary expansion. Long-term stability.

Tuesday, May 07, 2024 11:21