Rapid maxillary expansion. A study of the long-term effects

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Growth

Background:

• Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) can cause skeletal alterations.
• The long-term effects of RME on craniofacial development require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if normal growth and orthodontic treatment can compensate for skeletal changes induced by RME.
• To evaluate the impact of RME followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment on facial skeletal proportions.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 30 patients undergoing RME and fixed appliance therapy.
• Lateral cephalometric radiographs analyzed using nine Ricketts analysis variables before and after treatment (mean duration 3.1 years).

Main Results:

• Statistically significant changes were observed in variables that normally change with age (mandibular plane angle, maxillary height, facial depth, facial convexity), indicating normal growth.
• Variables that typically remain constant with age (facial axis, lower facial height, total facial height, palatal plane inclination, maxillary depth) showed no significant changes, also suggesting normal growth patterns.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive orthodontic treatment, following rapid maxillary expansion, appears to allow for normal craniofacial growth.
• Skeletal alterations from RME can be effectively managed and compensated for by subsequent orthodontic treatment and natural growth processes.