Control of the transverse dimension with surgery and orthodontics

Control of the transverse dimension through surgical techniques now available for use by the orthodontist is a valuable treatment consideration for orthodontic therapy in the nongrowing patient. In this article, proper diagnosis of relative and absolute transverse maxillary deficiency or excess is stressed as being imperative prior to completion of definitive orthodontic and/or surgical treatment planning. Therapeutic alternatives designed to facilitate correction of transverse discrepancies concomitant with treatment objectives in the sagittal and vertical dimensions are discussed and illustrated with case reports.