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Does rapid maxillary expansion affect the eruption of upper third molars?
Oral Sökücü1, Firat Oztürk, Hasan Babacan
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey. almanoral@hotmail.com
The Angle Orthodontist
|February 7, 2008
Summary
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) influences upper third molar movement, promoting eruption during and after treatment. However, final molar positions did not significantly differ from controls.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
- Dental Arch Expansion
Background:
- Maxillary narrowness often requires intervention.
- Third molars are susceptible to positional changes during orthodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the movement of upper third molars.
- To compare third molar movement in RME patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of 30 patients (20 RME, 10 control) with bilateral maxillary third molars.
- Utilized lateral and frontal cephalometric films and dental casts.
- Analyzed changes at pre-expansion, post-expansion, and retention phases using statistical tests.
Main Results:
- Vertical eruption of third molars was observed post-retention in the RME group.
- Angular eruption occurred immediately after expansion in RME patients.
- No significant differences in third molar movement were found compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis of no difference was rejected; RME impacts third molar movement.
- RME may stimulate upper third molar eruption.
- Final third molar positions were comparable to normal growth patterns.
