Assessing the Efficacy and Stability of Rapid Maxillary Expansion and the Delaire Appliance in Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: A Class III skeletal malocclusion is a very complex condition in orthodontics practice, and its solution is often carried out orthopedically. The most used orthopedic devices include rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and the Delaire Appliances to treat not only maxillary deficiency but also to correct the position of the upper jaw. Even if these interventions become sustainable in the short term, their long-term stability remains questionable. Aim: reveal a pretty complicated relationship between orthopaedic and orthodontic surgeries and their influences on the volume of the upper respiratory tract and craniofacial correction. Methods: We searched multiple online databases including; Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We used the following search strategy; "Rapid maxillary expansion" OR RME AND ("sleep apnea" OR "sleep-disordered breathing" OR "sleep-related breathing disorders" OR "sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome" OR SAHS) AND (children OR pediatric) AND ("orthodontic treatment" OR "orthopaedic treatment" OR "maxillary expansion") AND (oximetry OR polysomnography). Results: RME and the Delaire appliance were seen to be promising in the short term with an outcome of correction of maxillary transverse deficiency and skeletal relationships. Nevertheless, the issue of the long-term stability was spotted, including with regard to growth. But nevertheless both interventions exhibited some really valuable additions in general treatment of skeletal class III malocclusion. Scientific Novelty: This literature review synthesizes and summarizes the current knowledge on the effectiveness and durability of RME and the Delaire splint concerning skeletal class III malocclusion, presenting perspectives on their short-term impact and long-term performance. With its emphasis on poorly understood issues and new research, it greatly assists in updating our knowledge about orthopedic treatments. Conclusion: In a relatively short period of time, the rapid maxillary expansion method as well as the Delaire appliance can produce positive outcomes in terms of correcting the retroposition in cranial base class III malocclusion. Although, long lasting stability issues remain a worry and make the case for continued research and clinical monitoring for achieving better treatment outcomes and evidence-based practices in orthodontics.