Skeletal Age-related Changes of Midpalatal Suture Densities in Skeletal Maxillary Constriction Patients: CBCT Study

To determine if density measurements of the midpalatal suture and cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) are related, and to investigate if CVMI could help in predicting of the developmental status of the midpalatal suture.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 95 skeletal maxillary constriction patients (aged 8 to 18 years) were examined. The maturational stages of the cervical vertebrae were visually defined, and midpalatal suture density in the anterior region, the middle region, and the posterior region were measured. One-way ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) post-hoc test were used for statistical assessment.

Significant differences were found in MPDS: in anterior region between (c1,c2,c3,c4) and (c5,c6) stages, in middle region between (c1,c2,c3) and (c5,c6) stages, and in posterior region between (c1,c2,c3) and (c4,c5,c6) stages.

Midpalatal suture densities in all regions increase with skeletal maturation advancement.The significant increase after puberty may have the key role in decreasing the skeletal effects of RME after that age. Clinical significances: It is important to assess the midpalatal suture density to choose between rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). This study revealed a significant increase in the midpalatal suture density after puberty. Thus, it may better to perform RME before puberty.