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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Rapid maxillary expansion compared to surgery for assistance in maxillary face mask protraction
Nazan Küçükkeleş1, Sirin Nevzatoğlu, Tamer Koldaş
1Department of Orthodontics, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. nazles@tnn.net
Objective:
To compare the treatment outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) plus face mask (FM) and LeFort 1 osteotomy + FM during maxillary protraction.
Materials And Methods:
This study was carried on 34 patients all having maxillary retrognathic, anterior cross-bite, Class III skeletal and dental malocclusion characteristics and a concave profile. Eighteen patients with milder maxillary retrognathism were treated with RME + FM. Sixteen other patients with moderate to severe maxillary retrognathism were treated with an incomplete LeFort 1 osteotomy + FM therapy. Cephalometric data were evaluated statistically.
Results:
Significantly higher values of maxillary advancement and reduced treatment time were achieved with surgically assisted FM therapy.
Conclusions:
The surgically assisted FM treatment was more rapid and effective in maxillary protraction compared to the RME + FM treatment.
