Thermographic analysis during rapid maxillary expansion

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the temperature of the palate during rapid maxillary expansion through thermal imaging. Material and methods: Modified Hyrax palatal expander was installed in 11 patients. Thermal images of the palate were obtained using the FLIR A325 infrared camera. The evaluation was carried out 6 times: T0 – without activation; T1 – 4; T2 – 8; T3 – 12; T4 – 16; T5 – 30 screw activations. The thermographic images were analyzed qualitatively by visualizing the colors and quantitatively, by measuring the temperature of the palate at points Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Line 1 (Li1), in the midpalatal suture and Sp4 and Line 2 (Li2) in the lateral region of the hard palate. ANOVA and Games-Howell statistical tests were used. Results: When evaluating each region over time, in Sp4 and Li2, it was observed a lower temperature in T5 than in T1 and in Li1 a lower temperature in T5 than in T4 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Similar temperatures were observed in the central and lateral regions of the palate. Higher temperatures were recorded at the time of the first activations and lower temperatures were recorded on the 14th day. > <0.05). Conclusion: Similar temperatures were observed in the central and lateral regions of the palate. Higher temperatures were recorded at the time of the first activations and lower temperatures were recorded on the 14th day.