Rapid Maxillary Expansion: An Essay on its Instability

Omar Gabriel da SILVA FILHO, Leopoldino CAPELOZZA FILHO, Renata Ferraz FORNAZARI, Arlete de Oliveira CAVASSAN

The purpose of the orthodontic treatment is to attain a balanced, healthy, esthetic and, mostly, long-lasting intra and inter-arch relationship. The latter is the most difficult aspect due to its independence from the biomechanic control, the tendency to relapse and the difficulty to foresee the future conditions of the normal untreated occlusion. This article is about the post-treatment stability of the transverse dimensions of the upper dental arch after rapid maxillary expansion. Three patients were followed during 4 years after the end of the orthodontic treatment - one year with the upper retention and three years without. The results clearly show the tendency to long-term relapse. Therefore, orthodontists should be aware of the procedures toward a better post-treatment stability, such as overcorrection, prolonged postexpansion retention and subsequent orthodontic treatment that preserve the transverse dimensions achieved with the orthopedic expansion.

Keywords: Malocclusion. Constriction of the dental arches. Rapid maxillary expansion. Posttreatment stability. Post-treatment relapse.

Sunday, May 05, 2024 11:03