Palatal Depth Research Articles

Evaluation of sexual dimorphism in arch depth and palatal depth in 500 young adults of Marathwada region, India.

Context:In exhibiting gender dimorphism, the bony pelvis and skull give the most reliable results from morphometric analysis. Palatal dimensions were reported to exhibit racial difference and sexual dimorphism in several studies.Aim:The aim of the present study was to measure the maxillary arch depth and palatal depth in Indian population to assess their use as a tool for sexual dimorphism.Materials and Methods:Two hundred and fifty males and 250 females in the age group of 17–25 years were enrolled in the study, and impressions of maxillary arch were made. Measurement of palatal depth and maxillary arch depth was carried out at specific reference points using Korkhaus compass and digital caliper, respectively. The comparison of maxillary arch depth and palatal depth values was done using independent t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Diagnostic performance of significantly different variable was quantified by plotting “receiver operating characteristic” (ROC) curve.Results:Arch depth mean values were significantly higher in males than females. However, palatal depth mean values, though higher in males, were not significant. Area under the curve in ROC curve for maxillary arch depth was found to be 0.76, indicating sufficiency of discriminatory power of this variable.Conclusion:The present study showed that maxillary arch depth can be used as a tool for sex determination along with other morphometric methods. Mean value of both maxillary arch depth and palatal depth can be used as the baseline value for given population to be used as a reference for further studies.

Morphometric significance of maxillary arch in sexual dimorphism in North Indian population.

Background:Tooth is the hardest and chemically (except mineral contents) the most stable structure in the body, which makes teeth as the first-rate material for genetic and forensic investigations. Sex determination of skeletal remains forms an important part of archaeological and medicolegal examinations. Hence, the aim of the present study was to analyse the morphometric and dimensional variation between male and female in north Indian population using maxillary arch parameters.Materials and Methods:Fifty male and fifty female patients of age group 18–35 years were randomly selected after taking detail history. All maxillary impressions were made with alginate and poured in type III dental stone. These casts were measured for maxillary inter-canine width, maxillary first inter-premolar width, anteroposterior palatal width and palatal depth using a digital vernier caliper and findings were correlated with sexual dimorphism.Results:The maxillary inter-canine width, maxillary first inter-premolar width, and palatal depth showed a significant difference with P < 0.05 between the means of two populations. Anteroposterior palatal width showed the comparatively less significant difference between two populations.Conclusion:Among north Indian population, maxillary inter-canine width, maxillary first inter-premolar width, and palatal depth can be used for sex assessment. The anteroposterior palatal width parameter is comparatively less significant in sex determination.

Variance of occlusion among preschool monozygotic twins

AimThe aim of this study was carried to assess the occlusion in primary dentition among preschool monozygotic pairs.Participants and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed on 20 pairs of healthy monozygotic twins of both sexes, aged 3–5 years. Occlusal measures included primary molar and canine relationships, the degree of overjet, overbite, anterior and posterior cross-bite. Space discrepancies included primate and physiologic spaces, and crowding. Arch dimensions included arch circumference, crown tooth width, palatal depth, and primary intermolar and intercanine widths.ResultsThe results showed a very strong and significant relation for primary molar and canine relationships, for mandibular and maxillary tooth widths, and for palatal depth. A strong relation was found for overbite and for mandibular and maxillary arch circumferences. Meanwhile, a moderate and significant relation was found for overjet, and for intercanine and intermolar widths in both arches.ConclusionThe occlusal variables showed a very strong intrapair correlation coefficient for all parameters except for arch circumferences and overbite which showed a strong correlation, whereas interarch widths and overjet showed moderate correlation. Therefore, the variance of occlusion in this study is suggested that the pairs are similar but not identical.

Follow up of surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion after 6.5 years: skeletal and dental effects

Surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a technique used to widen the maxilla, and we present the results of our long-term follow up (6.5 years). Seventeen patients who had been treated with SARME and prospectively followed were invited for long-term follow up using dental casts and posteroanterior cephalograms. The following measurements were made on the dental casts: transverse distances at canine, premolar, and molar level, length of the arch, and width and depth of the palate at premolar and molar level. The distance between the left and right nasal bases and the widening of the inferior maxilla were measured on the posteroanterior cephalograms. Boneborne and toothborne distractors were used in 8 and 9 patients, respectively. In the study of dental casts, there was a significant increase in transverse width in the canine (P<0.001), premolar (P<0.001) and molar (P=0,001) and these remained stable in the long term. The arch length did not increase significantly, but the palatal width increased significantly in the premolar (P<0.001) and molar (P=0.001) regions. No effect was seen in palatal depth. On the posteroanterior cephalograms the width of the inferior part of the maxilla was increased, but not significantly so. There were no significant changes at the nasal base. We conclude that SARME is a predictable technique to widen the maxilla in the long term.

Assessment of Role of Palatal Dimensions on Speech in Cleft Lip And Palate Patients Treated with And Without Presurgical Orthopaedics.

To evaluate and compare the speech in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate children treated with and without presurgicalorthopaedics based on their palatal dimensions.Perceptual and digital evaluation of speech in cleft lip and palate childrencompared with there palatal dimensions.Twenty subjects with a history of cleft lip and palate or velopharyngeal dysfunction and speech disorder.Group differences in speech parameters were compared between those who did and those who did not receive the presurgicalnaso alveolar moulding appliance. The results were compared perceptually and digitally by two speech pathologists. The collected data was analyzed and subjected to Independent sample T test and Inter reliability Analysis.On evaluation of the maxillary arch,anterior arch width, antero-posterior arch length and Palatal depth was increased and Alveolar cleft width was significantly decreased in PNAM cases compared to cases treated without PNAM.The speech parameters like hyper nasality,audible nasal air emission were found to be significantly reduced in PNAM cases compared to cases treated without PNAM but consonant production error and voice disorder showed no improvement.Also,the speech understandability and acceptability was remarkably increased with PNAM. All the findings of the study indicated better speech and growth in maxillary arch form and symmetry in PNAM treated cases as compared to Non PNAM. Additionally,further research is needed to analyse other benefits of PNAM other than improvement in speech.

Alterações de sistema estomatognático em indivíduos disfônicos

RESUMO: Objetivo: verificar a presença de alterações do sistema estomatognático e sua associação com o sexo, profissão, relato de alergias e diagnóstico fonoaudiológico do tipo de disfonia em indivíduos disfônicos que procuraram atendimento em uma clínica-escola fonoaudiológica. Métodos: estudo quantitativo e retrospectivo, por meio de banco de dados. Amostra de 69 prontuários de sujeitos de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 19 e 44 anos. Coletaram-se dados sobre faixa etária, sexo, profissão, relato de alergias, diagnóstico fonoaudiológico do tipo de disfonia, tipo respiratório e dados da avaliação antroposcópica do sistema estomatognático: oclusão, alterações horizontais e transversais de mordida, largura e profundidade do palato duro, modo respiratório e tensão de lábios, língua e bochechas. Resultados: 28,99% (n=20) eram profissionais da voz; 33,33% (n=23) relataram alergias; tipo respiratório misto com 75,36% (n=52), seguido pelo superior com 20,29% (n=14) e costodiafragmaticoabdominal com 4,35% (n=3); tipo de disfonia funcional (n=42; 66,67%), seguido pelo organofuncional (n=19; 23,54%) e orgânico (n=8; 11,59%). Nas associações de alterações do sistema estomatognático com tipos e modos respiratórios, tipos de disfonia, profissionais da voz e relato de alergias não houve significâncias, apenas do sexo feminino com ausência de alterações verticais de mordida. Conclusão: os pacientes estudados eram predominantemente mulheres; adultos; não profissionais da voz; com disfonia funcional; sem relato de alergias ou alterações de sistema estomatognático; com tipo e modo respiratórios adequados, havendo associação apenas do sexo feminino com ausência de alterações verticais de mordida.

Teeth Displacement and Palatal Adaptation of Autoclave Cured Acrylic Resin with Various Palates and Investments

Background: The denture base inaccuracies during processing negatively influence the retention and stability of finished complete denture. The aims of this study were to evaluate teeth movement and palatal adaptation of autoclave cured denture bases and their relationship with palatal depths and investments. Materials and methods: A nightly maxillary complete dentures prepared, processed and organized to be tested as follows: 1. Processing methods: water bath and autoclave with both fast and slow cycles. 2. Palatal depth: shallow, medium and deep. 3. Investing medium: stone and silicone. For every finished denture, two measurements were done: first: teeth movement by attaching metallic reference screws on the right and left centrals, first premolars and second molars. Second: palatal adaptation by sectioning the posterior part of the denture and measuring the distances between five selected points which were on the right and left: ridge crest, center of the vestibule and middle of the palate. Then two measurements were done before and after curing by using travelling microscope of 0.001% of accuracy. The collected data organized statistically by three ways analysis of variance for curing methods, investments and palatal depth. Also, least significant test and t test for detection of difference. Results: High significant improvements in dimensional stability shows when autoclave was used compared with the water bath. Results show that autoclave curing reduces the amount of teeth movements and improves palatal adaptation with silicone investment compared with stone. Conclusions: resin curing by autoclave is a better alternative to water bath. The dimensional stability were improved especially when silicone were used instead of stone.

Evaluation of the neurovascular bundle position at the palate with cone beam computed tomography: an observational study.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the neurovascular bundle (NVB) position with cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT).MethodsCBCT images of 345 patients were evaluated. The distance from the neurovascular bundle to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) was measured (DNB). The distance from mid-palatal suture to the alveolar crest was used to determine the palatal depth. Palatal junction angle (PA) was measured using the junction angle between the hard palate and alveolar crest. The relationships between the DNB and the palatal depth and between these two parameters and the PA were evaluated. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the differences in DNB related to gender, and the correlation between the DNB while Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the DNB and age (p = 0.05). The relationship between the DNB and the palatal depth, and the relationship between these two parameters and the PA were also evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsExcept at the canine and first premolar areas the DNB was positively correlated with the palatal depth. No significant relationship between the PA and DNB or with PVD was observed. The highest DNB was 14 mm at the first molar, and the lowest was 10.8 mm at the canine.ConclusionsCare is needed while rotating flap and harvesting the subepithelial connective tissue graft at the canine area because the neurovascular bundle passes approximately 11 mm apically to CEJ at the canine region.

Analysis of the dentoalveolar effects of slow and rapid maxillary expansion in complete bilateral cleft lip and palate patients: a randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the dentoalveolar effects of slow (SME) and rapid (RME) maxillary expansions in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). A sample of 50 patients with BCLP and maxillary arch constriction was randomly and equally allocated into two groups. Group SME comprised patients (mean age of 8.8years) treated with quad-helix appliance. Group RME comprised individuals (mean age of 8.9years) treated with Hyrax expander. Digital dental models obtained immediately pre-expansion (T1) and 6months after the active expansion period (T2) were used for measuring maxillary dental arch widths, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, buccolingual inclination of posterior teeth and differential amount of expansion accomplished at the canine and molar regions. Inter-phase and intergroup comparisons were performed using paired t tests and t tests, respectively (p<0.05). SME and RME caused significant increase of arch widths and arch perimeter. Arch length and palatal depth decreased nonsignificantly with SME but significantly with RME. Buccal tooth inclination was significant only for maxillary deciduous canines in both groups. The quad-helix appliance showed a significant differential expansion between anterior and posterior regions. No differences were observed between SME and RME for all variables. Differences were not found between the dentoalveolar effects of SME and RME in patients with BCLP. SME demanded a greater therapy time compared to RME. Both expansion procedures can be similarly indicated to correct maxillary arch constriction in patients with BCLP in the mixed dentition.

Palate Shape and Depth: A Shape-Matching and Machine Learning Method for Estimating Ancestry from Human Skeletal Remains.

In the past, assessing ancestry relied on the naked eye and observer experience; however, replicability has become an important aspect of such analysis through the application of metric techniques. This study examines palate shape and assesses ancestry quantitatively using a 3D digitizer and shape-matching and machine learning methods. Palate curves and depths were recorded, processed, and tested for 376 individuals. Palate shape was an accurate indicator of ancestry in 58% of cases. Cluster analysis revealed that the parabolic, hyperbolic, and elliptical shapes are discrete from one another. Preliminary results indicate that palate depth in Hispanic individuals is greatest. Palate shape appears to be a useful indicator of ancestry, particularly when assessed by a computer. However, these data suggest that palate shape is not useful for assessing ancestry in Hispanic individuals. Although ancestry may be determined from palate shape, the use of multiple features is recommended and more reliable.

Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of the soft tissue thickness and greater palatine foramen location in the palate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the palatal mucosa thickness and greater palatine foramen location using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Cone-beam computerized tomography images of 345 patients were measured. The relationship between palate vault depth and angle between the alveolar bone and palatal plane (PA) was evaluated. Differences in the palatal mucosal thickness according to age, gender and tooth site were evaluated. The mean palatal mucosal thickness from the second molar to the canine teeth were 3.7, 3.3, 3.7, 3 and 3mm, respectively. The palatal mucosal thickness at the second molar and second premolar was statistically different from those at other zones. There was no correlation between the palatal junction angle and the palatal depth. Greater palatine foramen was observed at the level of third molar tooth, between third and second molar, second molar 63%, 31% and 6% in men and 56%, 36% and 8% in women respectively. The second premolar to second molar zone was considered a suitable graft site based on the mean palatal mucosal thickness.

Estimation of the linear dimensional changes of autoclave cured acrylic resin with multiple palatal depths and investment materials

Background: Dimensional changes of acrylic denture bases after polymerization results in need for further adjustments or even ends with technical failure of the finished dentures. The purpose of this study was to estimate the linear dimensional changes for different palatal depths when using multiple investment materials and polymerization techniques. Materials and methods: Ninety upper complete denture bases were constructed for this study. They were divided into two main groups according to the polymerization methods: conventional water bath and experimental autoclave (short and long cycles). Each main group was further subdivided into three subgroups according to the palatal depth (shallow, medium and deep). Furthermore, for each palatal depth; complete denture bases were invested either with dental stone or laboratory silicone. For each upper complete denture, measurements of linear dimensional changes were done by fixation of metallic screws on the tissue surface of the denture base. The distances were measured by using travelling microscope with an accuracy of 0.001 %. The data were statistically analyzed using three way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for three variables, which were (palatal depth, investments and polymerization techniques), LSD test and student T test for comparisons between groups. Results: There were significant improvements in the dimensional accuracy of denture bases cured with autoclave compared with water bath. Also, silicone investments were a successful alternative to stone, study data shows that short autoclave processing with silicone reduces the magnitude of the linear dimensional changes. On the other hand, long autoclave processing and stone investments were better than silicone in reducing dimensional changes. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicates that the use of autoclave processing in acrylic curing is a promising alternative to the conventional water bath and leads to better dimensional stability for the finished dentures in all oral configurations and palatal depths. Also, Silicone is more preferable than stone, although it's not as strong investing materials when compared with stone.

Yemeni palatal morphology

Introduction: The palate has also been of interest in orthodontic literature because palatal dimensions often need to be altered during orthodontic or orthognathic surgical treatment. Aim: This present study was conducted to assess the palatal dimensions of a Yemeni adults sample aged (18-26) years. Study and Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Materials and Methods: The investigation involved clinical examination of (1285) subjects of whom only (287) were selected (141 females, 146 males) to fulfill the criteria for the study sample. Study models were constructed and evaluated to measure palatal width and length using the modified sliding caliper gauge and a Paltometer to measure the palatal depth. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 13. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the study variables. Independent sample t-test was applied to test the level of significance between the mean for female and male for all palatal dimensions. Results: The mean (SD) of palatal width and depth in male was 41.7 (2.8) and 21.2 (1.5) while in female was 39.1 (2.3) and 20.7 (1.4) respectively. On other hand, the length of the palate seems to be larger in female 30.4 (2.04), when compared with that of male 29.01 (2.01), and these differences are considered statistically significant at P < 0.05 significant level. Conclusion: Based on study results, the palatal morphology of Yemeni population is averaged in size and confirms the accepted view that male have greater palatal size than female only in the transverse and vertical dimensions.

Determinant factors of Yemeni maxillary arch dimensions

ObjectiveInformation about maxillary arch and palatal dimensions in human populations is important for clinical orthodontics. This study was conducted to assess the determinants of maxillary arch dimensions in a sample of Yemeni individuals aged 18–25 years.Materials and MethodsThe study sample comprised 214/765 adults (101 women, 113 men) who underwent clinical examination and fulfilled the study criteria. Study models were constructed and evaluated to measure maxillary arch and palatal dimensions.ResultsThe majority of mean maxillary arch dimensions were significantly greater in men than in women, with inter–second molar distance showing the greatest difference and palatal depth showing the least difference.ConclusionMeasurements of palatal depth and relationships of the canines to one another and to other teeth thus had the widest ranges, implying that these dimensions are the strongest determinants of maxillary arch size.

Palatal dimension correlation in malocclusions for mixed Indian population

Aims: To determine and compare the palatal dimensions in mixed Indian population with different malocclusions and to find correlation among them. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 152 study models of children aged 13-16 years consisting of 76 males and 76 females obtained from Govt. teaching institution divided into Angle's Class I (40), Class II (80) and Class III (32) based on molar relationship and cephalometric evaluation. Ten palatal parameters were measured using Korkhaus gauge, which included arch width at the canine, 1 st premolar, 2 nd premolar and 1 st molar, arch length, palatal depth at canine, 1 st premolar, 2 nd premolar, and 1 st molar and arch perimeter. The mean and standard deviation were calculated, analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent student t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Angle's Class I occlusion group showed widest intercanine width. Palatal depth was shallowest in Class II Div 2 malocclusion and Class III malocclusion group showed shortest arch length and arch perimeter. There was no difference in palatal dimensions in between gender. Various palatal parameters were co related to each other. Conclusions: Significant differences existed in most of palatal dimensions among different types of Angle's occlusal relationships but no significant changes were observed among two genders. Many palatal dimension parameters were correlated to each other.

Effects of palate depth, modified arm shape, and anchor screw on rapid maxillary expansion: a finite element analysis.

This study examined the effects of palate depth, modifications of the arm shape, and anchor screw placement in the mid-palatal area on rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using finite element (FE) analysis. Three-dimensional FE models were constructed that included the maxilla (cortical and cancellous bone), maxillary sinus, maxillary first molar and first premolar, periodontal membrane, and an RME appliance with arms, bands, and anchor screws. The expansion screws were activated 0.2mm transversely. The deepest palate model had the smallest lateral displacement of the tooth and expansion of the mid-palatal suture and the greatest strain of the arm among the models with different palate heights. The model with a larger diameter arm had the smallest arm strain among the models with various arm shapes. The model with an anchor screw had the greatest lateral displacement of the tooth and expansion of the mid-palatal suture among all models. For a deeper palate, the arm strain increased and the effect of RME decreased. Modified arm shapes such as a larger diameter arm, arms connected by a diagonal wire, a straight arm, and a shorter arm efficiently expanded the maxillary dental arch. Anchor screws increased the effect of RME, generated more and closer bodily movement of the tooth, and parallel expansion of the mid-palatal suture. The model with an anchor screw without arms decreased the displacement of the teeth compared to the models with arms, so the arms are necessary for effective RME.

Tongue pressure during swallowing in adults with down syndrome and its relationship with palatal morphology.

In individuals with Down syndrome, hypotonicity of the tongue and an underdeveloped maxilla may lead to poor oral motor coordination, which adversely affects the oral phase of swallowing. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of pressure produced by the tongue against the hard palate during swallowing in individuals with Down syndrome. In addition, the relationship between tongue pressure and palatal morphology was examined. We studied nine adults with Down syndrome and ten healthy adults as controls. Tongue pressure while swallowing 5mL water was recorded by a sensor sheet system with five measuring points attached to the hard palate. Palatal length, depth, width, curvature, and slope were measured by three-dimensional digital maxillary imaging. The order of onset of tongue pressure on the median line of the hard palate was the same in all participants, except for three with Down syndrome. The duration and maximal magnitude of tongue pressure on the median line in nine participants with Down syndrome were significantly shorter and lower than those of controls. In participants with Down syndrome, significant positive correlations were observed between the duration of tongue pressure at the mid-median part of the hard palate and palatal depth and width, and between the duration and maximal magnitude of tongue pressure at the posterior-median part and palatal length. These findings suggest that impaired tongue activity, poor tongue control, and constrained tongue motion due to a short and narrow palate contribute to swallowing difficulty in individuals with Down syndrome.

Avaliação da profundidade do palato duro: correlação entre método quantitativo e qualitativo

OBJETIVO: verificar correlação entre método quantitativo e qualitativo de avaliação da profundidade do palato duro. MÉTODO: participaram da pesquisa 74 crianças, com dentição mista, submetidas à avaliação fonoaudiológica e odontológica que incluiu moldagem do arco dental maxilar para confecção dos modelos de gesso usados para posterior mensuração. Para análise quantitativa mediu-se largura e profundidade do palato duro ao nível dos primeiros molares, cujos valores foram utilizados para o Índice de Altura Palatina. Assim, os palatos duros foram classificados em baixo, médio ou alto. A avaliação qualitativa foi efetuada por inspeção visual dos modelos de gesso por três fonoaudiólogas com experiência em Motricidade Orofacial. A profundidade dos palatos duros foi classificada em reduzida (palato baixo), normal (palato médio) ou aumentada (palato alto). Como resultado considerou-se o consenso de ao menos duas avaliadoras. Para análise dos dados verificou-se a frequência de classificações e aplicou-se o Teste de Correlação Gamma. RESULTADOS: a partir da avaliação quantitativa observou-se maior frequência de palatos médios (55,4%), seguidos de palatos baixos (39,2%) e palatos altos (5,4%). Pelo método de avaliação qualitativo a maioria dos palatos duros foram considerados palatos altos (51,4%), seguidos de palatos médios (43,2%) e palatos baixos (5,4%). Teste de Correlação de Gamma resultou em 0,6212 (p&lt;0,05), indicando correlação moderada. CONCLUSÃO: a correlação entre os métodos de avaliação da profundidade do palato duro apresentou-se moderada. Na avaliação qualitativa houve tendência em considerar os palatos mais profundos do que indica o método quantitativo. Sugere-se que ambas as formas de análise sejam utilizadas na prática clínica.

3-D image analysis on palate growth changes from birth to 1 month in healthy infants

In order to study the relations of malocclusion formation and feeding behavior as a scientific research project, we measured the 3-D morphology of 31 healthy newborns within 7 days of birth and 1 month later using dental casts. Nine characteristics were selected and the developmental changes were analyzed using specialized software for investigating palatal development in detail. The results revealed that the palatal width, 3 palatal characteristics relating to depth, maximum slope location, and mean slope increased significantly during the 1 month, but there were no significant changes observed in palate length, cuspid ratio, and maximum slope. There was a significant correlation between palate depth and maximum depth point location, suggesting that the deeper points tended to be located further back. No significant correlations were observed between newborns within 7 days of birth and 1 month after birth for cuspid ratio, maximum depth point location, and maximum slope. Our observation of inter-characteristics correlations revealed 7 significant (P < 0.01) combinations out of a total of 33 combinations were observed in newborns within 7 days of birth, while only 4 were observed in 1-month-old infants. This appears to have been because of morphological changes occurring between individuals due to growth. Thus, it was clarified that not only size but shape (cuspid ratio, maximum slope point location, and the mean slope) also changes over the first month after birth.

Early treatment of posterior crossbite - a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundThe aim of this randomised clinical trial was to assess the effect of early orthodontic treatment in contrast to normal growth effects for functional unilateral posterior crossbite in the late deciduous and early mixed dentition by means of three-dimensional digital model analysis.MethodsThis randomised clinical trial was assessed to analyse the orthodontic treatment effects for patients with functional unilateral posterior crossbite in the late deciduous and early mixed dentition using a two-step procedure: initial maxillary expansion followed by a U-bow activator therapy. In the treatment group 31 patients and in the control group 35 patients with a mean age of 7.3 years (SD 2.1) were monitored. The time between the initial assessment (T1) and the follow-up (T2) was one year. The orthodontic analysis was done by a three-dimensional digital model analysis. Using the ‘Digimodel’ software, the orthodontic measurements in the maxilla and mandible and for the midline deviation, the overjet and overbite were recorded.ResultsSignificant differences between the control and the therapy group at T2 were detected for the anterior, median and posterior transversal dimensions of the maxilla, the palatal depth, the palatal base arch length, the maxillary arch length and inclination, the midline deviation, the overjet and the overbite.ConclusionsOrthodontic treatment of a functional unilateral posterior crossbite with a bonded maxillary expansion device followed by U-bow activator therapy in the late deciduous and early mixed dentition is an effective therapeutic method, as evidenced by the results of this RCT. It leads to three-dimensional therapeutically induced maxillary growth effects. Dental occlusion is significantly improved, and the prognosis for normal craniofacial growth is enhanced.Trial registrationRegistration trial DRKS00003497 on DRKS