Comparison of stress distribution and displacement pattern of maxillary expansion in craniomaxillary complex using...

A combination of miniscrews and the maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) was created to address potential issues with the traditional rapid maxillary expander (RME). This study was conducted to assess and compare stress distribution and displacement patterns in the craniomaxillary complex during maxillary expansion using Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) and Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) using 3D Finite Element model.

A 3D Finite Element model of the craniomaxillary complex, including the maxilla and maxillary dentition, was generated using computer aided design software. Stress distribution and displacement patterns were analysed for both RME and MSE treatments.

The results showed that MSE had greater bone displacement, bone stress, teeth displacement, teeth stress, and periodontal displacement and stress compared to RME. In terms of suture displacement, MSE had higher frontonasal suture displacement compared to RME. Teeth displacement showed that central and lateral incisors showed palatal displacement with RME and buccal displacement with MSE, while canine, premolars, and molars all showed greater buccal displacement with MSE compared to RME along the transverse axis. Central incisor displacement was observed in the extrusion direction with RME, while it was in the intrusion direction with MSE. In terms of teeth stress, MSE treatment resulted in higher stress on the central incisor, lateral incisor, canine, premolars, and molars compared to RME treatment.

Overall, MSE exhibited greater bone displacement, stress, and suture displacement/stress compared to RME. Additionally, MSE induced different tooth displacement patterns with higher stress on teeth compared to RME. These findings suggest differences in treatment outcomes and biomechanical effects between the two expansion methods.