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Craniofacial sutures changes associated with maxillary expansion using C-expander in adults: a retrospective study
Xiaohuan Zhong1,2, Huixin Wang3,4
1Department of orthodontics, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China.
BMC Oral Health
|April 30, 2026
Summary
C-expander treatment effectively expands the midpalatal suture and most craniofacial sutures in adults with maxillary transverse deficiency. This expansion, particularly at the anterior sutures, may influence nasomaxillary complex rotation.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Craniofacial Surgery
- Radiology and Imaging
Background:
- Adult maxillary transverse deficiency poses treatment challenges due to fused sutures.
- C-expander therapy is explored for its effects on craniofacial sutures in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the craniofacial suture changes induced by C-expander treatment in adults with maxillary transverse deficiency.
- To quantify the expansion of specific craniofacial sutures and linear measurements post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 adult patients with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with C-expander.
- Comparison of pre- and post-treatment Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans.
- Measurement of nine craniofacial suture widths and five linear dimensions in the coronal plane.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in midpalatal, frontomaxillary, nasomaxillary, internasal, frontozygomatic, and pterygomaxillary suture widths were observed (P < 0.05).
- The midpalatal suture showed the most substantial expansion (3.76 ± 1.63 mm), followed by the maxillary base bone width (3.61 ± 1.34 mm).
- All linear measurements demonstrated significant increases, indicating overall craniofacial skeletal expansion.
Conclusions:
- C-expander treatment effectively achieves clinically significant midpalatal suture expansion in adults.
- The treatment widens multiple craniofacial sutures, with varying magnitudes depending on the suture site.
- Greater anterior suture expansion may contribute to a clockwise rotation of the nasomaxillary complex.
Keywords:
AdultC-expanderCraniofacial sutureMaxillary expansionMaxillary transverse deficiencyMidpalatal sutureMore Related Videos
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