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Published on: October 20, 2023
Maxillary expansion with the memory screw: a preliminary investigation
Koray Halicioğlu1, Ali Kiki, Ibrahim Yavuz
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey.
Korean Journal of Orthodontics
|November 1, 2012
Summary
The novel memory expansion screw effectively widens the palate using light forces, offering benefits of both rapid and slow expansion. Maxillary and intermolar width increases remained stable after six months, indicating minimal relapse.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Biomaterials Science
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Maxillary hypoplasia and transverse discrepancies are common orthodontic concerns.
- Traditional rapid maxillary expansion (RME) can involve significant forces and potential side effects.
- The development of novel expansion devices aims to improve efficacy and patient comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of a new 'memory screw' device for maxillary expansion.
- To assess the stability of expansion outcomes over a 6-month retention period.
Main Methods:
- Five subjects (aged 11.7-13.75 years) received a maxillary expansion appliance with nickel-titanium springs.
- Appliance activation involved 6 quarter-turns daily for a mean of 7.52 days.
- Dentoskeletal changes and relapse were assessed via cephalometric analysis after 6 months of retention.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in SNA and SNB angles were observed during expansion, approximating baseline values post-retention.
- Increases in maxillary apical base (Mxr-Mxl) and intermolar width demonstrated notable stability.
- Dentoalveolar tipping occurred as anticipated with the expansion protocol.
Conclusions:
- The memory screw facilitates maxillary expansion with lighter forces and shorter activation times.
- This device combines advantages of both rapid and slow expansion techniques.
- The achieved increases in maxillary apical base and intermolar width exhibit favorable stability.
