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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Relapse and stability of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: an anatomic biomechanical study
Maarten J Koudstaal1, Jeroen B J Smeets, Gert-Jan Kleinrensink
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.koudstaal@erasmusmc.nl
Purpose:
This anatomic biomechanical study was undertaken to gain insight into the underlining mechanism of tipping of the maxillary segments during transverse expansion using tooth-borne and bone-borne distraction devices.
Materials And Methods:
An anatomic biomechanical study was performed on 10 dentate human cadaver heads using tooth-borne and bone-borne distraction devices.
Results:
The amount of tipping of the maxillary halves was greater in the tooth-borne group, but the difference was not significant. Four of the specimens demonstrated an asymmetrical widening of the maxilla.
Conclusions:
Segmental tipping was seen in both study groups. In this anatomic model, tooth-borne distraction led to greater segmental tipping compared with bone-borne distraction. Keep in mind, however, that this anatomic model by no means depicts a patient situation, and any extrapolation from it must be done with great care. The fact that the tooth-borne group demonstrated greater tipping might reflect the general opinion that bone-borne distraction causes less segmental angulation than tooth-borne distraction. Some tipping was seen in the bone-borne group, suggesting that overcorrection to counteract relapse will be necessary with this treatment modality.
