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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
[First experiences in maxillary arch expansion using the MWD (Maxillary Widening Device)]
Oliver Seitz1, Constantin Landes, Jan-Philipp Dissmann
1Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Klinikum der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. oliver.seitz@kgu.de
Mund-, Kiefer- Und Gesichtschirurgie : MKG
|November 8, 2007
Summary
The new Maxillary Widening Device (MWD) is a safe and effective bone-borne distractor for surgical assisted palatal expansion. It offers reliable results with minimal relapse, proving useful in various patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Reconstruction
Background:
- Conventional surgical assisted rapid palatal expansion devices have limitations.
- Tooth-borne and bone-borne devices present system-dependent deficiencies.
- A novel bone-borne distractor, the Maxillary Widening Device (MWD), was developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Maxillary Widening Device (MWD).
- To present initial clinical experiences with the MWD.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the MWD in palatal expansion.
Main Methods:
- The MWD was used in 20 patients with maxillary arch compression and anterior crowding.
- Treatment involved MWD combined with Glassman's modified Le-Fort-I-osteotomy.
- The MWD was also applied to patients with cleft lip and palate and bilateral microsomy.
Main Results:
- The MWD demonstrated safety, ease of handling, and reliability.
- Excellent results were achieved, with an average widening of 7.6mm in early adult patients.
- A complication rate of 25% was observed in early adult patients, with no discovered relapse.
Conclusions:
- The MWD is a reliable, stable, and user-friendly device for palatal expansion.
- The device yields excellent clinical outcomes.
- The MWD is suitable for early adult and syndromic patients.
