Comparison between RME, SME and Leaf Expander in growing patients: a retrospective postero-anterior cephalometric...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial development
• Maxillary expansion

Background:

• Posterior crossbite is a common dental anomaly.
• Maxillary expansion is a key treatment for transversal discrepancies.
• Comparing different expansion devices is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dental and orthopedic effects of the Leaf Expander (LE) with rapid maxillary expander (RME) and slow maxillary expander (SME).
• To evaluate the efficacy of the LE in correcting posterior crossbite.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 30 patients with posterior crossbite, divided into RME, SME, and LE groups.
• Postero-anterior cephalometric analysis was performed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment (9 months).
• Measurements included nasal width, maxillary width, mandibular width, and upper permanent molars width.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in all measured dimensions were observed post-treatment.
• Maxillary width increased by 4.2 mm (RME), 2.8 mm (SME), and 3.6 mm (LE).
• Upper permanent molars width increased by 5.4 mm (RME), 5.4 mm (SME), and 3.8 mm (LE). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The Leaf Expander demonstrates effectiveness in correcting transversal deficiencies.
• The dental and orthopedic outcomes of the LE are comparable to RME and SME.