Alveolar bone changes after asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial development
• Dental imaging

Background:

• Unilateral posterior skeletal crossbite requires effective treatment.
• Asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion (ARME) is a common orthodontic intervention.
• Understanding ARME's impact on alveolar bone is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess ARME's effects on cortical bone thickness and buccal alveolar bone height (BABH).
• To evaluate ARME's influence on dehiscence and fenestration formation around posterior teeth.
• To utilize cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise volumetric analysis.

Main Methods:

• CBCT scans of 23 patients (ages 13-14) with unilateral posterior skeletal crossbite treated with ARME were analyzed.
• Scans were taken before treatment (T1) and after a 3-month retention period (T2).
• Buccal and palatal aspects of teeth were evaluated at three vertical levels using axial slices.

Main Results:

• ARME significantly reduced buccal cortical bone thickness on the affected side compared to the unaffected side.
• A significant decrease in BABH was observed for canines and premolars on the affected side post-ARME.
• The incidence of dehiscence and fenestration in the alveolar bone increased on the affected side following ARME.

Conclusions:

• ARME treatment can lead to a quantitative decrease in buccal cortical bone thickness and height on the affected side.
• Clinicians should consider the potential adverse effects of ARME on alveolar bone integrity.
• Further research may explore methods to mitigate these bone changes during ARME.