Evaluation of the Soft Tissue Changes after Rapid Maxillary Expansion Using a Handheld Three-Dimensional Scanner: A...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Craniofacial Biology
• Digital Imaging in Dentistry

Background:

• Facial soft tissue esthetics is a key goal in orthodontic treatment.
• Digital technologies offer advanced methods for achieving esthetic outcomes.
• Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) is a common orthodontic procedure for posterior crossbite.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess facial soft tissue changes following RME.
• To evaluate morphological alterations after a six-month retention period post-RME.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 25 patients (mean age 11.6 years) with posterior crossbite.
• RME performed using a Hyrax expander.
• 3D facial images captured pre-treatment (T0) and post-retention (T1) using a structured-light 3D handheld scanner.
• Linear, angular, and 3D deviation analyses conducted on six facial morphological regions.

Main Results:

• Significant morphological changes were observed in the nasal and upper lip regions.
• 3D deviation analyses revealed alterations in specific facial areas.
• The study identified measurable soft tissue changes attributable to RME.

Conclusions:

• RME with a Hyrax expander leads to significant morphological changes in facial soft tissues.
• These changes are observable after a six-month retention period.
• Digital 3D imaging provides valuable data for assessing treatment-induced facial alterations.