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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Transverse changes determined by rapid and slow maxillary expansion--a low-dose CT-based randomized controlled trial
R Martina1, I Cioffi, M Farella
1Department of Oral Sciences, Section of Orthodontics and Temporomandibular Disorders, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research
|July 21, 2012
Summary
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME) show similar effectiveness in skeletal maxillary expansion for posterior crossbite. While RME produced greater pterygoid expansion, the difference was not clinically significant.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial development
- Maxillary skeletal changes
Background:
- Posterior crossbite is a common dental anomaly.
- Maxillary expansion is a key treatment modality.
- Comparing rapid (RME) and slow (SME) expansion methods is crucial for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare transverse skeletal changes between RME and SME using low-dose computed tomography.
- To evaluate the efficacy of RME versus SME in treating posterior crossbite.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 26 patients with posterior crossbite.
- Patients were allocated to either RME or SME groups, both utilizing a two-band palatal expander.
- Low-dose computed tomography was employed to measure transverse maxillary changes.
Main Results:
- Both RME and SME significantly increased skeletal transverse diameters.
- No significant differences in anterior or posterior maxillary expansion were observed between the groups.
- RME showed a statistically significant, though not clinically relevant, increase in pterygoid process expansion compared to SME.
Conclusions:
- Rapid maxillary expansion is not more effective than slow maxillary expansion for treating posterior crossbite.
- Both methods achieve comparable skeletal expansion in the anterior and posterior maxilla.
- The minor difference in pterygoid expansion does not warrant a change in clinical practice.
