ZeroExpander: Metal-free automatic palatal expansion for special-needs patients

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Paediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Maxillary expansion is crucial for treating palatal transverse deficiency in children.
• Traditional appliances may pose challenges for special-needs patients, particularly those requiring Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Metal-free alternatives are sought for enhanced biocompatibility and patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the ZeroExpander, a novel, metal-free, automatic, fixed appliance for maxillary expansion in paediatric patients.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of this system in patients with narrow upper arches, including those with special needs.
• To present the application of PEEK and PA12 materials in this innovative device.

Main Methods:

• The ZeroExpander, a Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAT) digital device, was designed for automatic, pre-programmed maxillary expansion.
• The appliance utilizes deciduous teeth for anchorage.
• Two case reports are presented: one in complete deciduous dentition and another in mixed dentition, showcasing the use of PEEK and PA12 materials, respectively.

Main Results:

• Successful palatal expansion was achieved in both presented paediatric cases.
• The metal-free appliance demonstrated comfort and efficiency in treating palatal transverse deficiency.
• The system eliminated the need for patient compliance.

Conclusions:

• The ZeroExpander, constructed from metal-free technopolymers and anchored to deciduous teeth, is a comfortable and efficient solution for palatal transverse deficiency.
• This innovative appliance is suitable for young patients, including those who require periodic MRI scans, due to its metal-free composition.
• The system offers a viable alternative to traditional orthodontic expansion methods for special-needs children.