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Published on: October 20, 2023
Dentoalveolar effects induced by a removable expansion plate
Efisio Defraia1, Andrea Marinelli, Giulia Baroni
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Florence, Italy.
Progress in Orthodontics
|November 22, 2007
Summary
A removable expansion plate effectively widened the upper dental arch in children with unilateral posterior crossbite. This treatment improved transverse dimensions in the maxilla but not the mandible.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Unilateral posterior crossbite is a common dental anomaly in children.
- Early intervention is crucial for optimal dental arch development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a removable expansion plate (Removable Spring Expander, RSE) in correcting transverse dimensions of dental arches in children with unilateral posterior crossbite.
Main Methods:
- A treated group (TG) of 17 children with unilateral posterior crossbite used an RSE.
- A control group (CG) of 17 untreated children with similar conditions was used for comparison.
- Dental casts were analyzed pre-treatment (T1) and post-retention (T2) to measure transverse arch dimensions.
Main Results:
- The TG demonstrated statistically significant increases in maxillary intermolar width (4.5 mm) and intercanine width (3.6 mm) compared to the CG.
- Significant improvements were observed in posterior (4.2 mm) and anterior (3.3 mm) transverse interarch discrepancies in the TG.
- No significant changes were found in mandibular intermolar or intercanine widths between the groups.
Conclusions:
- The removable expansion plate is a simple and effective appliance for maxillary expansion.
- Treatment is suitable for children with deciduous and early mixed dentitions.
- The RSE successfully addresses transverse discrepancies in the upper arch.
