Retrospective Clinical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Skeletally Anchored Appliances for Maxillary Expansion

Abstract

(1) Background: Skeletally anchored appliances for maxillary expansion are a less invasive alternative to surgery and are increasingly often selected as a method of treatment. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of maxillary expansion using distractors supported by temporary orthodontic implants (TOIs) in patients of differing sex and age. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of patients treated with distractors anchored to TOIs between July 2019 and June 2022. The group was divided into adolescent and the adult patients. Effectiveness was evaluated one and two weeks after installation of the distractors and the results were analyzed statistically. (3) Results: In total, 39 patients were treated, of which 21 were women and 18 men, ranging in age from 11 to 42. A group of 8 girls and 9 boys younger than 18 years were included. The presence of diastema at the first follow-up visit was observed in all girls and in 8 of the boys, as well as in 7 women and in none of the men. At the second visit, no diastema was found in one woman, but was noted in 3 men (p = 0.007). At the completion of distraction, diastema was observed in all the girls and in 12 women, as well as in 8 out of 9 boys and in 3 men (p = 0.015). (4) Conclusions: The effectiveness of the distraction procedure in adolescents is positive, regardless of sex. However, in adults, the procedure has limited effectiveness in males.