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An Adult Patient With Posterior Unilateral Crossbite Treated by Corticotomy-Assisted Expansion
Ahmad A Al-Fraidi1, Baker M Sedqi2, Rana S Alamri1
1Ministry of Health, Department of Orthodontics, King Fahad Hospital, Specialized Dental Center, Madina, Saudi Arabia, kfmc.med.sa.
Case Reports in Dentistry
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Corticotomy-assisted expansion effectively treated unilateral posterior crossbite in an adult orthodontic patient. This less invasive technique achieved normal occlusion and maintained periodontal health, offering an efficient solution for maxillary transverse deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Periodontology
Background:
- Maxillary transverse deficiency is a frequent orthodontic issue, complicated by unilateral posterior crossbite.
- Treatment options vary based on skeletal maturity, including slow (SME) and rapid maxillary expansion (RME), surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE), and corticotomy-assisted expansion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the successful treatment of unilateral posterior crossbite in an adult using corticotomy-assisted expansion.
- To evaluate the efficacy and periodontal implications of this technique in a skeletally mature patient.
Main Methods:
- A 20-year-old female patient with unilateral posterior crossbite was treated with selective alveolar bone corticotomy and fixed orthodontic appliances.
- The procedure involved minimally invasive corticotomy to facilitate maxillary expansion.
Main Results:
- Successful correction of the unilateral posterior crossbite was achieved.
- Normal overbite, overjet, and Class I canine and molar relationships were established.
- Treatment duration was relatively short, with no complications and maintained periodontal health.
Conclusions:
- Corticotomy-assisted expansion is an efficient and less invasive alternative to SARPE and MARPE for adult unilateral maxillary transverse deficiency.
- This technique offers a viable treatment option for correcting crossbites while preserving periodontal health.
