Two-point rapid palatal expansion: an alternate approach to traditional treatment

Rapid palatal expansion (RPE) causes separation of the lateral halves of the palate and traditionally has used four maxillary teeth as anchorage. The purpose of this study was to introduce a rapid palatal expander that requires only two anchor teeth (two-point RPEe) and to compare the expansion obtained with that from a Hyrax appliance. This study involved two groups of 25 children aged 7 to 15 years who were treated in a private orthodontist's office with either a Hyrax appliance or a two-point RPEe. Dental casts and occlusal radiographs were made before treatment and at least three months after stabilization of the appliance. Paired t-tests were performed to identify significant intragroup changes, and independent t-tests were performed to determine intergroup differences. The findings showed the two-point RPEe was as efficient as the Hyrax in obtaining dental expansion of the maxillary posterior teeth with less effect on the maxillary anterior and mandibular teeth. Therefore, the two-point RPEe may be useful in certain clinical situations.