Skeletal and dental effects of hyperdivergent patients treated with rapid maxillary and mandibular expander and fixed orthodontic appliance

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the skeletal and dental changes in hyperdivergent patients treated with rapid maxillary and mandibular expander and fixed orthodontic appliance. Methods The sample consisted of 36 hyperdivergent patients (SN-MP≥40°) who underwent rapid maxillary and mandibular expansion and fixed orthodontic treatment. Lateral cephalograms were taken before (average age, 12.2 years) and after treatment (average age, 14.4 years). Results No significant differences were found in any sagittal or vertical skeletal variables examined.The upper incisiors were retroclined and the lower incisiors were proclined slightly.The overjet decreased. Conclusions The hyperdivergent patients could be treated successfully with rapid maxillary and mandibular expander and fixed orthodontic appliance without detrimental effects on the vertical skeletal relationships. Key words: rapid maxillary expansion; mandibular arch expansion; hyperdivergent; Cephalometrics