Office-based Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion Under Simple Local Anesthesia (LIGHT SARPE)

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Traditional Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARPE) often involves general anesthesia and chisels, leading to significant patient discomfort and potential complications.
• A novel technique, LIGHT SARPE, has been developed to minimize morbidity and enhance patient comfort during maxillary expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the LIGHT SARPE technique, a novel approach performed under local anesthesia.
• To compare the outcomes of LIGHT SARPE with conventional SARPE methods.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 30 patients who underwent LIGHT SARPE between 2020 and 2023.
• The procedure utilized piezoelectric surgery for osteotomies and temporary anchorage devices for expansion in an office setting.

Main Results:

• Average surgery time was 21 minutes with minimal postoperative complications.
• Achieved a mean maxillary expansion of 7.2 mm in anterior distance, with no significant correlation between expansion and complications.
• LIGHT SARPE demonstrated reduced discomfort, shorter operative times, and fewer complications compared to conventional SARPE, preserving periodontal integrity.

Conclusions:

• LIGHT SARPE represents a significant advancement in SARPE procedures, offering improved predictability, efficacy, and patient outcomes.
• The technique is associated with lower morbidity and costs, suggesting its potential as a preferred treatment for maxillary transverse deficiency in skeletally mature patients.