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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Does a transverse maxillary deficit affect the cervical vertebrae? A pilot study
Luca Di Vece1, Giacomo Faleri, Maria Picciotti
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Polyclinic Santa Maria Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, Siena, Italy. lucadivece@hotmail.it
Summary
This study found a significant link between transverse maxillary constriction and cervical vertebral defects in children. Further research is recommended to explore this association in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Radiology
Background:
- Transverse maxillary constriction is a common dental anomaly.
- Cervical vertebral morphology can indicate developmental patterns.
- The relationship between these two conditions is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cervical vertebral morphology in children with transverse maxillary constriction.
- To determine if there is a correlation between transverse maxillary constriction and vertebral anomalies.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study compared 40 children (7-11 years) with transverse maxillary constriction undergoing palatal expansion to 40 controls.
- Cervical morphology was assessed on lateral cephalograms using maturation sequence templates.
- Vertebral anomalies were defined as rounded angles or concave vertebral bodies, excluding physiologic growth variations.
Main Results:
- High inter-observer agreement (kappa >0.5) was achieved.
- A statistically significant higher prevalence of vertebral defects was observed in the study group (P <0.05).
- The most frequent defect was rounding of the anterosuperior angle of the vertebral body, primarily at C4 and C5 vertebrae.
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between transverse maxillary constriction and cervical vertebral defects.
- These findings suggest a potential link that warrants further investigation.
- This association may have implications for understanding craniofacial development.
