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Updated: May 9, 2026

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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
The reverse quad helix expander: easy access for bone graft manipulation in the cleft maxilla
Dror Aizenbud1, H Hazan-Molina, M Peled
1Orthodontic and Craniofacial Department, School of Graduate Dentistry, Rambam Health Care Campus and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine-Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. aizenbud@ortho.co.il
Pediatric Dentistry
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Cleft palate patients often have constricted maxillas. This study presents a novel reverse quad-helix technique for differential premaxillary expansion, improving surgical access for bone grafting in unilateral cleft cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Patients with cleft lip and palate frequently exhibit maxillary constriction, particularly in the anterior region during mixed dentition.
- Standard orthodontic expansion may not adequately address the specific needs of the premaxillary area in cleft patients.
Observation:
- Two cases of unilateral cleft-affected patients were treated using a reverse quad-helix appliance.
- The reverse quad-helix appliance facilitated differential expansion of the premaxillary area.
Findings:
- A new method for differential expansion of the premaxillary area in palatal cleft patients was developed using a reverse quad-helix expander.
- This technique demonstrated improved surgical access for secondary bone graft procedures.
Implications:
- The described reverse quad-helix method offers a specialized orthodontic solution for managing maxillary anomalies in cleft palate patients.
- This approach can enhance outcomes for secondary alveolar bone grafting by optimizing the surgical field.
