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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Skeletal and dentoalveolar changes in the maxillary bone morphology using two-arm maxillary expander
Dana Cristina Bratu1, Em A Bratu, G Popa
1Department of Pedodontics and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania. danacristinabratu@yahoo.com
Summary
Rapid palatal expansion appliances effectively alter maxillary bone morphology, primarily in the transverse dimension. These devices expand dentition and the alveolar process, opening the midpalatal suture.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dental Anthropology
- Craniofacial Development and Remodeling
Background:
- Maxillary hypoplasia and transverse discrepancies are common orthodontic concerns.
- Rapid palatal expansion (RPE) is a widely used technique to address these issues.
- Understanding the specific skeletal and dental changes induced by RPE is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dental and skeletal changes in maxillary bone morphology resulting from the use of two-arm rapid palatal expansion (RPE) appliances.
- To analyze the impact of RPE on intermolar width, interpremolar width, molar tipping, and palatal depth.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 22 girls (average age 11.9 years) treated with RPE appliances.
- Evaluation of changes using an optical 3D scanner on study casts and analysis of radiographs.
- Statistical analysis included pre- and post-treatment comparisons and Pearson's correlation coefficient (p<0.05).
Main Results:
- Significant increases in intermolar width, interpremolar width, molar tipping, and alveolar tipping were observed.
- Molar rotation and palatal depth changes were less significant.
- Five statistically significant correlations were found, including positive medium correlations between intermolar width change and alveolar tipping.
Conclusions:
- Two-arm RPE appliances effectively expand maxillary dentition and the alveolar process, opening the midpalatal suture and modifying maxillary bone morphology.
- The most pronounced changes induced by RPE occur in the transverse plane.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is recommended to validate these findings.
