Comparison of Transversal Effects of Different Expansion Protocols: Alt-RAMEC versus RME

Abstract

Abstract
 Objectives
 The aim of this study is evaluate the transversal effects of the Alt-RAMEC(Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction) protocol on both craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures and to compare the transversal effects of the RME(Rapid Maxillary Expansion) protocol.
 Materials and Methods
 In our archive, selected patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 22 patients(12boys,10girls, mean age 11.61±2.11years) who had been treated with 5 weeks of Alt-RAMEC. Group 2 comprised 21 patients(11boys,10girls, mean age 11.66±1.23years) who had been treated with 1 week of RME. Transversal measurements were also performed on the study models pre-(T0) and post-treatment(T1) with digital caliper. Internasal, interzygomatic, interjugular and intergonial width measurements were made on posteroanterior radiographs. The initial measurements and the mean changes within the groups were analysed using a student’s t test.
 Results
 According to the results of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of chronological age, gender distribution and initial values. The expansion protocols showed a statistically significant increase in the widths of intercanine, interpremolar, intermolar and alveolar base widths in the maxilla(p<0.05). No statistically significant changes were observed in both groups(p>0.05) in mandible. The changes in maxillary intercanine, interpremolar widths between the two groups were statistically significant(p<0.05). In the posteroanterior measurements, only statistically significant difference was found between the groups in internasal width(p<0.05).
 Conclusions
 Alt-RAMEC and RME protocols are effective treatment protocols for correction of transverse deficiency in growing patients. 5-weeks Alt-RAMEC protocol significantly increased intercanine and interpremolar widths compared to 1-week RME. 
 Clinical Relevance
 Since there are no studies in the literature comparing the effects of two different expansion protocols in the transverse direction, this is both the first. Most importantly, clinicians will see which of these two protocols is more singular in the treatment of transversal problems.
 Keywords: RME, Alt-RAMEC, tranversal measurements