Diagnosis and treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency

Treatment of skeletally mature patients is often complicated by inadequately treated or undiagnosed transverse skeletal discrepancy. This report emphasizes diagnosis of transverse maxillo-mandibular discrepancy and describes recommendations for treatment. Proper treatment strategy must consider the type and magnitude of transverse deficiency, patient's growth status, dentofacial esthetics, stability factors, and periodontal tissue health. Indications for surgically assisted maxillary expansion are listed, and the recommended surgical technique to improve frontal dentofacial esthetics, provide better stability, and enhance long-term periodontal health is described. Specific modifications in surgical technique to help prevent postoperative complications are included. New recommendations for sequencing, timing, and correction of transverse deficiency are presented.