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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
07:16
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Rapid palatal expansion for spontaneous Class II correction.
Tonya Volk1, Cyril Sadowsky, Ellen A Begole
1Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. tvolk2@uic.edu
Summary
Maxillary expansion alone does not reliably correct Class II malocclusions. While some patients showed improvement, none experienced the desired anterior functional shift after palatal expander treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
- Dental Malocclusion
Background:
- Palatal expanders are suggested for correcting Class II malocclusions.
- Limited research exists on the effectiveness of expansion for Class II correction.
- Previous studies have not confirmed anterior functional shifts with expansion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if maxillary expansion leads to spontaneous correction or improvement of Class II malocclusions.
- To determine if Class II improvement following expansion involves an anterior functional shift.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 Class II patients treated with expansion alone.
- Comparison of study models before and after treatment using articulator mounting.
- Assessment of centric occlusion and maximum intercuspation positions.
- Use of condyle position indicator paper to detect functional shifts.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases were observed only in maxillary intermolar widths.
- Seven out of 13 patients demonstrated improvement in their Class II dental relationship.
- No anterior functional shift was detected in any of the treated patients.
Conclusions:
- Maxillary expansion alone does not predictably improve Class II dental relationships.
- The study did not find evidence of spontaneous correction or functional shifts associated with expansion in Class II malocclusions.
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