Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment Research Articles

Effects of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway parameters in OSA children with maxillary restriction: A CBCT study.

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) has been proposed as an effective treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and maxillary restriction in children. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RME appliances on the nasomaxillary complex dimensions in children with OSA and maxillary constriction. This prospective longitudinal study included 34 children aged 8-12 years with maxillary restriction and OSA confirmed by polysomnography who had completed RME therapy. The nasomaxillary complex is segmented into the nasal cavity, maxillary sinuses, and nasopharynx. The effect of RME on nasomaxillary complex dimensions was assessed pre and posttreatment using cone-beam computed tomography, analysis, while a second standard overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed to assess changes in respiratory parameters. Significant improvements were observed, including inferior maxillary dislocation (S-S1 distance and N-ANS), increased anterior and posterior facial height, and a 5.43 events/h reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index (p < .001). The nasal cavity volume increased by 2439 (±584) mm3 (p < .001), nasopharynx size increased by 883 (±479) mm3 (p = .008), mid cross-sectional area increased by 31.74 (±14.50) mm2 (p < .001), and the distance between the right and left maxillary sinuses increased by 8.37 (±3.67) mm (p < .001) all exhibited positive changes, with some insignificant variations in volume change (p = .254). RME treatment was found to be effective in improving nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal dimensions, leading to improved respiratory parameters in children with OSA and maxillary constriction. While these results are promising, considerations about the potential long-term benefits of RME on future growth are important. The study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of RME as a treatment option for this pediatric population.

Effects of Rapid Palate Expansion Treatment in Growing Oral Respiratory Patients: Functional Assessment of the Upper Airway Using Active Anterior Rhinomanometry

This retrospective study aims to further investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment on respiratory function in growing patients with contracted upper airways, by assessing nasal resistance using active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR). Methods: At T0 (pre-RME), 122 orthodontic patients aged 5 to 12 years, exhibiting oral breathing and/or snoring along with maxillary contraction, underwent AAR with a mask using the ATMOS Rhino 31 rhinomanometer. Additionally, the SRDB or PSQ-SRDB Questionnaire was utilized to validate the orthodontic history of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). If AAR results at T0 were clinically significant, they were repeated at T1, corresponding to a period of three months after screw fixation, to evaluate changes in nasal resistance values between pre- and post-treatment. Results: The study group comprised 42 oral respiratory patients with a mean age of 7.71 years, suspected of pediatric OSAS. Although the questionnaires did not yield statistically significant results, the therapy induced an overall reduction in airflow resistance values from both nostrils (−24.63% in the right nostril; −26.65% in the left nostril). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of orthodontic treatment with RME on nasal function in terms of airflow resistance in cases of maxillary contraction.

Evaluation of Bone Thickness and Density Values in Resistance Regions in Rapid Maxillary Expansion Using Computed Tomography.

This study used computed tomography (CT) to compare the bone thickness and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures that are resistant to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment according to age, sex, and cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stage. The study included 200 paranasal sinus records obtained for medical diagnosis and examination in a radiology clinic. The records provided data on 110 males and 90 females aged between 4 and 28 years. Bone thickness and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures were measured using CT imaging. The correlations of bone thickness and density values with the variables of age, sex, and CVM stage were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was revealed between the bone thickness values around the zygomaticomaxillary and zygomaticotemporal sutures and age, sex, CVM stage, and the right and left regions of the same individual (P>0.05). A strong correlation was identified between Hounsfield units (Hu) values on bone density in all 3 regions and age and sex (P<0.001). No correlation was found between the CVM stage and density values around the zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygomaxillary sutures (P>0.05). The Hu values of the records from females were higher than those of males in all age groups. It was observed that with increasing age, bone density values increased in all 3 regions, and thus circummaxillary region's Hu value increased.

Photographic analysis of orofacial soft tissue alterations related to rapid maxillary expansion in pediatric patients.

Maxillary transverse deficiency is widely recognized as one of the most common skeletal issues in orthodontics, and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is commonly employed as a treatment method. This study aimed to investigate the impact of RME on the soft tissues of the orofacial region in pediatric patients. The study included two groups: an experimental group comprising 30 patients (16 females and 14 males) with maxillary skeletal transverse deficiency who required rapid maxillary expansion (RME), and a control group consisting of patients (10 females and 10 males) who did not require RME or orthodontic treatment. Frontal and profile photographs were taken before and after RME for both groups. Frontal photographs were used to obtain 12 linear measurements, while profile photographs were used to perform 2 linear and 2 angular measurements using the "protractor" and "pixel ruler" software. Burstone-Legan, Steiner and Rickett's analyses were performed to determine the locations of the upper and lower lips. Student t-test, paired samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the data. In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant increase in nose width and intercommissural distance at the end of the treatment (p < 0.05). Similarly, both the experimental and control groups showed a statistically significant increase in the dorsum of nose length at T2 compared to the initial measurement (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the male participants in the experimental group exhibited a statistically significantly higher increase in nose length and dorsum of the nose during the T1 and T2 periods compared to the female participants in the experimental group (p < 0.05). RME may lead to changes in soft tissues in pediatric patients and was observed to be gender-specific. However, these changes were not clinically noticeable, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these changes.

Dentoperiodontal and skeletal changes induced by miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (C-expander) treatment in adults: A retrospective clinical trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental periodontal and skeletal response to ≥5 mm of expansion width achieved by C-expander treatment with posterior miniscrews placed between the first and second molars in adults. A total of 28 patients aged 21.91 ± 3.20 years with maxillary transverse deficiency underwent C-expander treatment. Anterior miniscrews were positioned between the first and second premolars, whereas posterior miniscrews were positioned between the first and second molars. Cone-beam computed tomography records were obtained before expansion and 3 months after expansion. The dental periodontal and skeletal changes for all patients were recorded. The C-expander treatment expanded the palatal suture with slight buccal alveolar bone inclination. An increase in the nasal cavity width and a greater increase in the maxillary base bone width were observed after maxillary expansion. The expansion at the posterior nasal spine (3.78 mm) was approximately 85.7% of that at the anterior nasal spine (4.41 mm). No significant buccal dehiscence occurred after expansion, whereas the mesiobuccal alveolar bone thickness of the first molars was decreased at the 8 mm level with respect to the cementoenamel junction. The first molar showed decreased inclination (right, -0.45°; left, -0.38°, P>0.05), whereas the expansion at the apical level was less than that at the crown level. Age and the skeletal/dental expansion ratio had no discernible relationship. Miniscrew-assisted C-expander treatment can be effective for adults with maxillary transverse deficiency. Rearward placement of the miniscrews may create an approximately parallel expansion. Most maxillary expansion was derived from skeletal expansion with slight alveolar bone buccal inclination.

Analysis of maxillary arch expansion in growing patients treated with early Class III protocol versus RME.

To evaluate and compare the maxillary arch expansion obtained in growing patients treated with Class III early treatment protocol (the modified SEC III protocol), or rapid maxillary expansion (RME). This retrospective observational study included patients in the mixed dentition with maxillary constriction and/ or dental crowding. The first group consisted of 30 patients (11 males and 19 females, mean age 9.4 ±1.7 years) with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion treated with the modified SEC III protocol. The second group of 30 patients (14 males and 16 females, mean age 9.3 ±1.5 years) with Class I or II malocclusion was treated with a Hyrax-type expander applied to bands on the first upper molars. For each subject, initial (T0) and post expansion (T1) digital dental casts were collected. The intermolar and intercanine widths, the arch lengths at both cusp and gingival levels, the anteroposterior length and the palatal depth were measured at T0 and T1. At T1 there were statistically significant differences for 3-3 occlusal (OC) (P < 0.009), arch-length OC (P <0.030), anteroposterior arch-length (AP) (P <0.003), Depth (P <0.030) and Ap (P <0.000). No statistically significant T0-T1 changes were found between the modified SEC III and Hyrax groups except for Depth (P <0.011) with a mean difference of 2.3 mm between the two groups. Both bonded and banded expanders, used in the modified SEC III protocol and RME treatment respectively, produced similar changes in the upper arch. The different initial dentoskeletal malocclusions of the two sample groups were not relevant to the post-expansion arch changes.

Everybody gets an expander

Seemingly every preadolescent patient that presents for an orthodontic consultation is prescribed rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment. Parents are forewarned of premolar extractions, lateral incisor root resorption from ectopic canines, or obstructive sleep apnea if they delay treatment. Are we exaggerating the need for Phase I RME in pursuit of two-phase treatment and increased revenue? Let's take a closer look at the history, trends, expectations, and proper timing of RME, with an emphasis on Phase I treatment.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Survey on Clinical Experience in the European Cleft Centers.

Cleft lip and palate patients require complex interdisciplinary treatment, including maxillary expansion and secondary alveolar bone grafting. However, the evidence on these treatment procedures and outcomes is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the subjective observations of European maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists on the maxillary expansion and bone grafting treatment protocols and the associated complications. An online questionnaire was sent to 131 centers. The questions assessed the participants' demographic data, maxillary expansion and alveolar bone grafting protocols, and the associated complications. Descriptive statistics and a t-test were used to analyze the data. The response rate was 40.5%. The average age for maxillary expansion was 9-10 years. The secondary alveolar bone grafting was planned 5-10 months after the expansion. The most common complications were asymmetric expansion, relapse, and fistula formation. The protocols and materials used vary widely among centers. Anatomical alterations and developmental processes, like tooth eruption adjacent to the cleft, should be seriously considered for treatment planning. This survey showed that there is still a lack of consensus on these treatment procedures. Further clinical trials should focus on long-term outcome evaluation to identify treatment components for optimal alveolar bone substitution and transversal maxillary expansion treatment in patients with clefts.

Pain during Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Systematic Review

The aim of the present systematic review is to evaluate the pain perceived by patients during rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in relation to factors such as demographic characteristics, appliance type, activation protocol, and the eventual use of medication or pain management strategies. An electronic search of available articles on the subject was conducted on three electronic databases, using predefined keywords. Sequential screenings based on pre-established eligibility criteria were performed. Ten studies were ultimately included in this systematic review. The main data of the reviewed studies were extracted according to the PICOS approach. Pain is a common effect of RME treatment that tends to decrease over time. Gender and age differences in pain perception are not clear. Perceived pain is influenced by the expander design and expansion protocol used. Some pain management strategies can be useful for reducing RME-associated pain.

Rapid maxillary expansion treatment increases mid-facial depth in early mixed dentition.

To evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on mid-facial depth in early mixed dentition and to investigate the relationship between change in mid-facial depth and maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. A total of 35 patients with mixed dentition treated with a Haas expander were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a cone-beam computed tomography scan before and after rapid maxillary expansion. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to evaluate the changes in maxillary width, facial depth, maxillary sinus, and nasal cavity volume before and after expansion. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the correlations among them. The hard and soft tissue facial depth in the middle third increased significantly (P < 0.001). The gain on the outer sagittal plane (1.04-1.52 mm) was slightly bigger than that on the inner sagittal plane (0.91-1.30 mm). Maxillary width and nasal cavity width increased 3.42 ± 0.93 mm (P < 0.001) and 2.25 ± 0.77 mm (P < 0.001), respectively, after treatment. A gain was also achieved in both nasal cavity volume (2,236.15 mm3, P < 0.001) and maxillary sinus volume (1,227.33 mm3, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that with the increase in maxillary sinus volume, the facial depth increased as well (B = 0.455-0.683, P < 0.05). Also, statistically significant correlations were found between nasal width and nasal cavity volume (B = 0.384, P < 0.05). The depth of the middle third face increased significantly. The facial depth increase was related to the enlargement of maxillary sinus volume, while the nasal cavity volume gain was related to the nasal width increase. This indicated that RME might enhance the fullness of the mid-face and facilitate the patency of nose breathing.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Upper Airway Changes after Protraction Headgear and Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Upper Airway Changes after Protraction Headgear and Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment

A comparison of transversal changes occurring in the treatment of rapid maxillary expansion with acoustic rhinometry

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between cephalometric transversal measurements and nasal patency before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment applied to patients with maxillary transversal deficiency. Methodology: The records of 30 patients with maxillary transversal insufficiency and 20 patients without normal dentofacial and nasal symptoms were used. Acoustic rhinometry (MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2) and cephalometry measurements (JR–JL, MMTI, nasal width) were analyzed before (TO) and six months after (T1) RME. Results: There were no significant differences in age and gender between the groups. After the RME treatment of the patients in the study group, there was a significant increase in the cephalometric measurement (JL–JR, MMTI, nasal width) and acoustic rhinometry measurement parameters (MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2). Cephalometric measurements showed consistent changes in the patients in the study group, suggesting that RME treatment increased the maxilla’s growth capacity. The postero-anterior cephalometry results improved after RME treatment and approached those of the control group. Conclusion: Significant improvement was observed in the cephalometric transversal measurements after RME treatment. This improvement indicated that RME increases maxillary growth capacity. There was no correlation between cephalometric and acoustic rhinometry. This result may be due to the inability of postero-anterior cephalometry to effectively evaluate the maxilla-related part of the nasal structures. How to cite this article: Metli ŞN, Yıldırım M, Erdur EA, Erdur Ö. A comparison of transversal changes occurring in the treatment of rapid maxillary expansion with acoustic rhinometry. Int Dent Res 2022;12(Suppl.1):97-102. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.434 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Evaluation of olfactory threshold changes in patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion

Aim: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) provides an orthopedic effect that solves the problem of transverse deficiency of the maxilla. Moreover, it contributes positively to the functioning of the entire nasopharynx by increasing the cross-sectional area and volume of the nasal tract, thus reducing airway resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in olfactory threshold after RME treatment of patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. Methodology: Olfactory threshold and identification tests as well as acoustic rhinometry parameter (Volume1, MCA1, Volume2, MCA2) measurements were conducted for 40 patients (11–16 years) before treatment (T0) and 6 months after (T1) rapid maxillary expansion application. Results: A significant improvement was observed when the olfactory threshold values at T0 (0.96 ± 0.07) and T1 (0.79 ± 0.13) (p &lt; 0.001) were compared. A significant improvement was also observed upon comparing the identification test results at T0 (0.63 ± 0.13) and T1 (0.79 ± 0.11) (p &lt; 0.001). The acoustic rhinometry results showed a significant increase in Volume 1, MCA1, Volume 2 and MCA2 in the right and left nasal cavities after treatment (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, acoustic rhinometry showed that nasal cavity area and volume increased in patients who underwent rapid maxillary expansion therapy. Further, the olfactory functions measured by the olfactory threshold test and identification test improved significantly. How to cite this article: Yıldırım M, Erdur EA, Erdur Ö, Metli ŞN. Evaluation of olfactory threshold changes in patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion. Int Dent Res 2022;12(Suppl.1):90-6. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.435 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Evaluation of nasal airway resistance in a cohort of children with primary snoring and maxillary deficiency.

The aim of this study was to test whether rapid palatal expansion is effective to improve nasal airway patency in a sample of pediatric patients with primary snoring. A group of 21 subjects, 11 girls (52%) and 10 boys (48%), with a mean age of 7.1 years (SD=1.3; range 4-9 years) were treated with a rapid maxillary expansion (RME) device. Nasal airway resistance was assessed via rhinomanometric exam before (pre-) and 6 months after (post-) the rapid palatal expansion treatment. Data analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the mean scores of the results of the rhinomanometric exam between the pre- and post-measurements with a significant reduction in total inspiratory and expiratory air resistance values after rapid palatal expansion. Our results show that RME treatment is associated with an improvement in nasal airway resistance due to a substantial reduction in nasal resistance associated with the orthopedic action of the orthodontic device.

Rapid maxillary expansion vs slow maxillary expansion in patients with cleft lip and/or palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the dentoalveolar outcomes of slow maxillary expansion (SME) and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) used for maxillary expansion before secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Secondarily, the advantages and disadvantages of SME vs RME were reviewed. A systematic search was conducted up to November 2021, including Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS I) tool. Overall quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Of 4007 records, five studies met the inclusion criteria. The randomized control trial (RCT) had a low risk of bias, the non-RCTs presented with a moderate risk of bias. Arch width and perimeter increased significantly with both SME and RME treatments. No difference in the increase in palatal depth was found. The meta-analysis showed a greater anterior-to-posterior expansion ratio for the Quad Helix (QH) appliance. The results for dental tipping were not conclusive. SME and RME promote equal posterior expansion in cleft patients. The anterior differential expansion is greater with SME (QH appliance). No clear evidence exists concerning the amount of dental adverse effects of SME and RME in cleft patients.

Advantages of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment; Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Children with Malocclusion Resulting from Mouth Breathing Habits

Background: One of the causes of malocclusion in developing children is the practice of mouth breathing. Morphological disturbances may occur during the growth phase in children with chronic mouth breathing. This resulting in the unfavorable development of dentofacial and craniofacial complexes. Mouth breathing in children as a condition has come to the attention of health care professionals. Malocclusion incidence will be decreased and eventually eliminated with the early identification and treatment of these poor oral habits. Purpose: The study determines the benefits of interceptive orthodontics Rapid Maxillary Expansion treatment in children with malocclusion caused by the habit of mouth breathing. Methods: Data were gathered by searching and analyzing literature from electronic databases PubMed, Wiley, and Science Direct in the 2012 and 2022 publication period. Interceptive orthodontics; rapid maxillary expansion; mouth breathing; malocclusion and children keywords were used to conduct the systematic search of the data. Results: One of the most frequent malocclusions is caused by the practice of mouth breathing which narrows the maxillary arch. Some of the characteristic features are decreased distance between nasal cavity’s lateral walls, bilateral or unilateral posterior crossbite, crowding of the anterior teeth, and deep palate.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a 2-Year-Old Down Syndrome Child: Successful Management With Adenotonsillectomy Followed by Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment

Due to glossal and craniofacial skeletal abnormalities, children with Down syndrome (DS) are prone to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), thus demanding an increased necessity for an earlier diagnosis and more strict control for OSA. Adenotonsillectomy (T&amp;A op) is an effective surgical treatment method to reduce OSA in children. Nevertheless, it should be noted that T&amp;A op in DS children might be insufficient to completely resolve OSA and that extra care is needed when performing a T&amp;A op for airway obstruction in DS during the immediate postoperative period. The objective of the present study was to report a case of a 2-year-old male DS patient with severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] of 61.7/hr) which was consequently reduced to moderate OSA (AHI of 7.6/hr), followed by reduction to mild OSA (AHI of 4.8/hr) with an one-year of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) device application. With a 2-year application of the RME device, the hard palate width in the 1st and 2nd molar region was increased to 5.86 mm and 5.26 mm, respectively. This is the first case report describing that a severe OSA is reduced to moderate OSA with T&amp;A op and further reduced to mild OSA with an RME device application.

Long-term skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of hybrid rapid maxillary expansion and facemask treatment in growing skeletal Class III patients: a retrospective follow-up study

BackgroundRegardless of the treatment protocol, stability in Class III patients always represents a major concern. The aim of this study was to assess the short and long-term skeletal and dentoalveolar modifications in a group of class III patients treated with hybrid rapid maxillary expander (RME) and facemask (FM). Indeed, no long-term studies have been conducted yet with the objective of evaluating the effects of this kind of approach when applied to patients who have already gone thought their peak of growth.Material and methods27 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were treated using hybrid RME according to alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (ALT-RAMEC) protocol, followed by 4 months of facemask therapy. After the orthopaedic phase, each patient underwent orthodontic treatment with fixed multibracket appliances. A mean follow-up of 7 years, 10 months was performed. Pre-treatment (TO), post-treatment (T1) and follow up (T2) cephalometric tracing were analysed, comparing dental and skeletal measurements.ResultsPoint A advanced by a mean of 3.5 mm with respect to VerT, then relapsed by 0.7 in the post-facemask period, thereby yielding of a mean advancement of 2.7 at T2. The sagittal relationship significantly changed after RME + facemask protraction (3.8° of ANB and 5.189 mm of Wits). Although both Wits and ANB values worsened over time, the improvement from T0 is still appreciable at T2.ConclusionDespite the physiological relapse due to mandibular growth, the long-term cephalometric follow-up confirms the maintenance of all positive outcomes of the previous orthopaedic treatment with hybrid RME and facemask.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME): An Otolaryngologic Perspective.

Background. To evaluate the possible effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), such as nasal breathing problems, middle ear function, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in the otolaryngology field. RME has already been introduced in orthodontics to expand the maxilla of young patients affected by transversal maxillary constriction. Methods. A literature search was performed using different databases (Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL), from May 2005 to November 2021, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. The application of RME in children has shown good results on nasal function, reducing nasal resistances, independently from a previous adenotonsillectomy. These results are not only related to the increasing of nasal transverse diameters and volume, but also to the stiffening of airway muscles, enabling the nasal filtrum function and avoiding mouth opening, thereby decreasing respiratory infections. Positive effects have also been reported for the treatment of conductive hearing loss and of OSA, with the reduction of Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), possibly due to (i) an increased pharyngeal dimensions, (ii) a new tongue posture, and (iii) reduced nasal respiratory problems. Conclusions. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the indications and benefits of the RME treatment, considering its possible multiple beneficial effects.

THE EFFICIENCY OF TOOTH-ANCHORED VERSUS BONEANCHORED RAPID MAXILLARY EXPANSION IN YOUNG AND LATE ADOLESCENT PATIENTS

Relevance of the problem. Incidence of posterior cross­bite has been reported to be 8–23% and it is a com­mon problem often seen in children and adolescents. An effective treatment of the skeletal transversal maxillary deficiency usually involves rapid maxillary expansion (RME). The expansion can be achieved using different types of expanders: bone anchored, tooth anchored or hybrid. The variety of clinical results comparing bone-borne and tooth-borne RME influence lack of unanimous treatment plan for adolescents. Aim. To compare the efficiency of tooth-borne expanders with bone-borne expanders by comparing dentoskeletal changes evaluated by CBCT. Material and methods. Electronic database search was carried out according to PRISMA principles. Five electro­nic research databases were searched including Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Wiley On­line Library and Web of Science. PICOS framework was used to form a focused question and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) by two individual researchers. Included studies were randomized clinical trials, published less than 10 years ago, with minimum follow-up period of 9 months with CBCT. Results. Two studies proved that bone borne RME produ­ced greater results in skeletal expansion, however other two studies failed to confirm these findings. Regarding alveolar bone loss, the results were also contradictory: two studies found no significant difference in both RME groups, however, other two studies found that bone borne RME exhibit less alveolar bone loss. As for den­tal tipping, the results were also different in all studies: In a study performed by Lagravere et al (2013), dental tipping occurred regardless of RME treatment for molar teeth, however in the premolar group, increased tipping was noticed in the tooth-anchored group. Another study by the same author concluded similar results: in the to­oth borne RME group no significant tipping in molars was seen, while in premolars, buccal crown tipping was observed, which was significant (p&lt;0.003). In the bone borne RME group significant dental tipping was obser­ved in molars. Contrary to these findings, two studies concluded that dental tipping is experienced significantly less in the bone-borne RME group and one study per­formed by Davami et al found no significant difference in both groups. Conclusion. To conclude, current evidence suggests contradictory results in maxillary expansion using bone borne or tooth borne RME devices. Though the evidence is limited, both types of RME have similar outcomes. More studies with a higher number of patients are nee­ded to determine conclusive results.