Palatal Expansion Research Articles

Three-dimensional dentoskeletal changes following minimally invasive surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion: a prospective study

Dentoskeletal changes in minimally invasive surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This was a prospective study of 30 patients who underwent minimally invasive SARPE performed under local anaesthesia plus sedation by the same surgeon, in an ambulatory setting. Pre- and postoperative CBCT images were obtained for each patient. A statistically significant increase in the linear transverse dimensions of the maxilla occurred systematically. In the canine region, a mean increase of 5.84 mm occurred at the apex level and 7.82 mm at the crown level. These dimensions were 4.83 mm and 7.68 mm, respectively, in the molar region. The cross-sectional area of the maxilla increased by a mean 12.9 mm2 at the palate level and 23.3 mm2 at the crown level. Dental inclination to the buccal aspect was detected (mean 6.1° at the canines and 8.4° at the first molars). The alveolar process tipped buccally 10° at the molar level. Nasal width increased a mean of 3.0 mm at the canine level. Through a three-dimensional analysis, this study found that minimally invasive SARPE was effective in the correction of transverse maxillary discrepancies> 5 mm in non-growing patients. Although dental inclination to the buccal aspect occurred, significant expansion of the maxilla at the skeletal and dentoalveolar levels was confirmed.

Complex orthodontic treatment of patients with constricted upper jaw using piezo corticotomy

BACKGROUND: The question of choosing upper jaw expansion methods is relevant because of the high prevalence of upper jaw narrowing, which occurs in 7.9% and 9.9% of patients aged 1218 and 1850 years, respectively.
 AIM: This study aimed to increase the efficiency of orthodontic treatments of patients with constricted upper jaw who refused volumetric surgical interventions.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of the combined treatment of patients with narrow maxilla during the period of permanent bite are presented. The combined treatment consisted of orthodontic treatment using palatal expanders in combination with piezo corticotomy. Twenty patients with narrowing and deformity of the upper jaw were treated using this protocol, which was selected according to the results of cone-beam computed tomography in accordance with the stage C of the formation of the median palatal suture (mean age, 18.5 years). Orthodontic treatment was performed using tooth-borne and bone-borne palatal expanders.
 RESULTS: The successful upper jaw expansion at the skeletal level was achieved in all the treated cases. The choice of the proposed method of treatment of adult patients with maxillary constriction was based on the analysis of the formation of the medial palatal suture and individual assessment of bone density.
 CONCLUSION: The proposed method of upper jaw expansion allows the expansion of the upper jaw not at the dental but at the skeletal level.

Complications associated with mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion

Complications associated with mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion

Age, Sex, and Maxillary Position Are Associated with Successful Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible predictors of success of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in skeletally mature patients. Additionally, factors associated with the amount of maxillary expansion were analyzed. Factors associated with MARPE success were analyzed in 53 adult patients (27 males, 26 females, mean age 25.8 ± 8.9 years, and range 18.0 to 56.6 years) who had a maxillary transverse deficiency greater than 2 mm and a cervical vertebral maturation stage of 6. Age at pretreatment (T1), sex, sutural bone density at T1, type of appliance, mode of microimplant fixation, and lateral cephalometric variables at T1 were considered for inclusion as predictors for MARPE success. In patients who showed successful maxillary skeletal expansion, the linear distances of maxillary widths were measured on cone-beam-computed-tomography images at T1 and after MARPE (T2), and factors associated with the amount of expansion were analyzed. In total, 41 of the 53 patients showed successful maxillary expansion. Age (p = 0.019), sex (p = 0.002), and A-N perp (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with the success of MARPE. The factors associated with the amount of maxillary skeletal expansion were SN-MP and midpalatal-suture density at T1. In conclusion, there is a greater chance of failure in male patients who are older and have maxillary retrusion. A greater amount of maxillary expansion can be expected in patients with a higher mandibular-plane angle and with lower midpalatal-suture density.

Effect and stability of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically analyze the effect and stability of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of patients with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD).MethodsWe searched PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Database for relevant studies published before February 18, 2021 and selected them according to the eligibility criteria. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (version 5.1.0) criteria were used for the quality assessment of randomized controlled trials, while the scoring protocol of the methodological index for non-randomized studies was used for non-randomized controlled trials. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3 software.ResultsAll the included studies showed a relatively high success rate of expansion. The changes in both the intermolar and alveolar widths after MARPE were statistically significant. MARPE exhibited greater skeletal expansion effects than did conventional RPE. The midpalatal suture was opened in parallel after MARPE. A small amount of relapse was observed 1 year after expansion. MARPE caused tooth inclination and a decrease in alveolar height, but it was less significant than in conventional RPE.ConclusionsMARPE may be an effective treatment modality for patients with MTD. It causes great transverse skeletal expansion in late adolescence. In comparison to conventional RPE, MARPE has lower detrimental periodontal effects and has certain clinical advantages.

Indications for treatment of rapid palatal expansion devices based on cone-beam computed tomography

Currently, many orthodontists often prescribe the method of rapid palatal expansion (RPE) to patients, however, there are no clear criteria for indications for the use of the method based on cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) in the available literature.Aim. Determination of indications for the use of the technique of rapid palatal expansion based on the data of the CBCT.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of control and diagnostic models and CBCT of 40 patients with diagnosed narrowing of the upper jaw was carried out. All the subjects were divided into two groups: the first was patients who were treated with RPE devices. The second is patients whose orthodontic treatment used other methods (mainly expanding removable plate apparatus or partial bracket system). The analysis of control and diagnostic models according to the Pona method and the determination of palate narrowing by CBCT were carried out. Comparison of the two groups by a quantitative indicator having a normal distribution, provided that the variances were equal, was performed using the Student's t-test, with unequal variances – Welch's t-test. The comparison of the two groups by a quantitative indicator, the distribution of which differed from the normal one, was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U-test.Results. Analysis of measurements in the area of premolars and molars by the Pona method in both groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.093, p = 0.137, respectively). However, when analyzing the indicators obtained by measuring the width of the palate at the level of the deepest points of the bone base in the projection of the Pon line, it showed the presence of statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). The following values were obtained: the average width of the palate at the molar level in patients using the RPE method was 24± 2 mm, in the second group – 30± 2 mm. At the premolar level, the average width of the palate in patients treated with the RPE method is 20 mm, in group 2–22 mm.Conclusions. With a narrowing of the palate less than 26 mm at the level of the molars and less than 20 mm in the premolar region, the use of methods of rapid palatal expansion can be shown. Further development of the methodology and indications for treatment with rapid palatal dilation devices is required.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion on the Adolescent Patient: Systematic Review and Case Report.

Aim: In the literature, many studies and articles are investigating new devices and approaches to achieve rapid palate expansion through the opening of the palatal suture, and evaluating the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects. The purpose of this review was to assess how palatal expansion is performed in adolescent patients with permanent dentition. Furthermore, it was reported as an example of successful orthodontic treatment of an 11-year-old female patient affected by maxillary skeletal transverse deficiency, in permanent dentition. Methods: A search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were the year of publication between 2017 and 2022, patients aged 10 to 16 years in permanent dentition, with transversal discrepancy, treated with tooth-borne, bone-borne, hybrid palatal expanders. Results: A total of 619 articles were identified by the electronic search, and finally, a total of 16 papers were included in the qualitative analysis. Conclusions: From this study, it was assessed that MARPE is more predictable, and it determines a more significant expansion of the suture than the Hyrax expander, with fewer side effects.

Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome: orthopedic and orthodontic management in a pediatric patient: a case report

Axenfeld–Rieger Syndrome (ARS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease with considerable expressive variability, characterized by ocular and non-ocular manifestations, cardiovascular, mild craniofacial abnormalities and dental malformations. Current data report an incidence of Xenfeld-Rieger syndrome in the population of 1: 200,000.The case described is that of a 14-year-old female patient whose ARS is suspected and investigated following a dental specialist visit for orthodontic reasons, acquired the patient’s family and clinical data following a medical approach multidisciplinary, we proceed to the orthodontic involved the use of the Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) and a fixed orthodontic treatment.The aim of this study is to report the case of the orthopaedic and orthodontic treatment in a patient affected by ARS and with facial dysmorphism and teeth anomalies associated to ocular anomalies.

Three-dimensional comparison of bone-borne and tooth-bone-borne maxillary expansion in young adults with maxillary skeletal deficiency.

To compare the transverse dental and skeletal changes in patients treated with bone-anchored palatal expander (bone-borne, BB) compared to patients treated with tooth and bone-anchored palatal expanders (tooth-bone-borne, TBB) using cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) and 3D image analysis. The sample comprised 30 patients with transverse maxillary discrepancy treated with two different types of appliances: bone-borne (Group BB) and tooth-bone-borne (Group TBB) expanders. CBCT scans were acquired before (T1) and after completion of maxillary expansion (T2); the interval was 5.4 ± 3.4 and 6.2 ± 2.1months between the T1 and the T2 scans of Group TBB (tooth-bone-borne) and Group BB (bone-borne), respectively. Transverse, anteroposterior and vertical linear and angular three-dimensional dentoskeletal changes were assessed after cranial base superimposition. Both groups displayed marked transverse skeletal expansion with a greater ratio of skeletal to dental changes. Greater changes at the nasal cavity, zygoma and orbital levels were found in Group BB. A relatively parallel sutural opening in an anterior-posterior direction was observed in Group TBB; however, the Group BB presented a somewhat triangular (V-shaped) opening of the suture that was wider anteriorly. Small downward-forward displacements were observed in both groups. Asymmetric expansion occurred in approximately 50% of the patients in both groups. Greater skeletal vs dental expansion ratio and expansion of the circummaxillary regions were found in Group BB, the group in which a bone-borne expander was used. Both groups presented skeletal and dental changes, with a similar amount of posterior palate expansion. Asymmetric expansion was observed in both groups.

Reasons to Actively Use Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Reasons to Actively Use Mini-Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Interest of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion on the upper airway in growing patients: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate, and provide an overview of the available literature regarding the use of miniscrews in the rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the upper airway. The eligibility criteria were prospective trials that compared RME and miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE) regarding airways. A search of studies in Medline (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Scielo that measured the effects on the upper airway was conducted until May 8, 2022. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias for systematic reviews thanks to the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Reporting of this review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 160 potentially eligible studies, 7 were considered for systematic review. The measurement of MARPE on airway was done with CBCT, rhinometry, and acoustic rhinomanometry. In total, 344 patients were assessed. Two included studies showed high risk of bias and the rest showed low to moderate risks of bias. Tooth-bone-borne RME significantly improved nasal airflow [(Mean difference (MD) 52.7cm3/s, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (9.0-96.4), P=0.020)], reduced nasal resistance (MD 0.20Pa/cm3, 95% (0.38-0.02), P=0.028), Skeletal expansion at the level of the nasal cavity was significantly greater in the MARPE group. The magnitude of the expansion at the posterior level of the nasal cavity was almost two times higher in the tooth-bone-borne group [(MD) 1.75mm, 95% (1.16-2.35) and (MD) 0.78mm, 95% (0.11-1.45), P<0.001] CONCLUSIONS: The short-term airflow changes after MARPE seems promising. Additionally, MARPE is associated with greater skeletal maxillary expansion after retention, at various levels of the nasal cavity, compared to conventional RME.

Efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults with the Dutch Maxillary Expansion Device: a prospective clinical cohort study

ObjectivesTo provide a higher degree of evidence on the efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults, thereby applying the Dutch Maxillary Expansion Device (D-MED).Materials and methodsD-MED was developed as an individualized, 3D-designed, and fabricated MARPE appliance supported by 4 palatal miniscrews. Patients from the age of 16 onwards with transverse maxillary deficiency were enrolled consecutively. Pre-expansion and immediate post-expansion CBCTs and intra-oral scans were acquired and measurements of skeletal, alveolar, and dental expansion as well as dental and periodontal side-effects were performed.ResultsThirty-four patients were enrolled (8 men, 26 women) with mean age 27.0 ± 9.4 years. A success rate of 94.1% was achieved (32/34 patients). The mean expansion duration, or mean observation time, was 31.7 ± 8.0 days. The mean expansion at the maxillary first molars (M1) and first premolars (P1) was 6.56 ± 1.70 mm and 4.19 ± 1.29 mm, respectively. The expansion was 60.4 ± 20.1% skeletal, 8.1 ± 27.6% alveolar, and 31.6 ± 20.1% dental at M1 and 92.2 ± 14.5% skeletal, 0.0 ± 18.6% alveolar, and 7.8 ± 17.7% dental at P1, which was both statistically (p < 0.001) and clinically significant. Buccal dental tipping (3.88 ± 3.92° M1; 2.29 ± 3.89° P1), clinical crown height increase (0.12 ± 0.31 mm M1; 0.04 ± 0.22 mm P1), and buccal bone thinning (− 0.31 ± 0.49 mm M1; − 0.01 ± 0.45 mm P1) were observed, while root resorption could not be evaluated.ConclusionsMARPE by application of D-MED manifested its efficacy in a prospective clinical setting, delivering a high amount of skeletal expansion with limited side-effects in late adolescents and adults.Clinical relevanceHigher quality evidence is supportive of MARPE as a safe and successful non-surgical treatment option for transverse maxillary deficiency.

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Treated with MARPE and Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery

A 27-year-old male patient was diagnosed as severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), having problems of skeletal Class II jaw related with mandibular retrognathism, orthodivergent facial pattern, dental Class II malocclusion, and occlusal plane canting. By intervention of miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), the clinical result presented significant improvement in functional and esthetic aspects after 18 months of treatment.

Evaluation of Sagittal Change in the Maxilla and Incisor Inclination Following Rapid Palatal Expansion Using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography

Objective: To measure the sagittal changes in the maxilla via angular change in point A with Sella Nasion plane and incisor to palatal plane before (T1) and after (T2) rapid palatal expansion with bonded expander.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb 2017 from Jan 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: 30 patients both male and female presenting to orthodontics department AFID between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with transverse maxillary deficiency were given a bonded hyrax appliance with an activation schedule of 2 turns per day, the retention period was 2 months followed by further retention with a removable plate. Two cone beam computerized tomography evaluations were done. One pre-expansion (T1) and the other after 2 months of retention (T2).&#x0D; Results: 30 children 16 males (53%) and 14 females (47%) with a mean age of 11.03 ± 0.76 years were studied showing that from pre-treatment to post-treatment Sella Nasion point A value changed insignificantly from 77.03 ± 2.81 to 77.2 ± 3.02and 1 to palatal plane changed insignificantly from 111.82 ± 5.74 to 110.8 ± 5.80. Paired sample t-test results confirmed the statistically insignificant change in Sella Nasion point A and 1to Palatal Plane.&#x0D; Conclusion: Following rapid palatal expansion with a bonded expander in growing patients the change in maxillary location in the sagittal dimension and the change in inclination of incisor to palatal plane following expansion was insignificantly affected statistically and hence clinically.

Evaluation of bone depth, cortical bone, and mucosa thickness of palatal posterior supra-alveolar insertion site for miniscrew placement

BackgroundThe use of palatal miniscrew offers the possibility to improve the effectiveness of orthodontic expansion devices. Palatal expanders supported by miniscrew can be applied with different clinical protocols. Some authors proposed the use of four palatal miniscrews during miniscrew-supported palatal expansion to maximize skeletal effects in young adults’ treatment. However, bone availability decreases in the posterior paramedian palatal regions, making the positioning of the two-posterior paramedian palatal miniscrews challenging, when it is performed avoiding nasal cavities invasion. Some authors proposed miniscrews insertion in a specific region located laterally to the palatal process of the maxillary bone, and apically relatively to the dento-alveolar process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone thickness, cortical bone thickness, and mucosae depth of this anatomical site that, in this study, was defined as palatal posterior supra-alveolar insertion site.ResultsThe evaluation of bone availability of palatal posterior supra-alveolar insertion site at different antero-posterior levels showed that the maximum amount of total bone thickness was found between the second premolar and the first molar. At this level total bone, thickness is significantly (p < .05) greater compared to the other sagittal sites and it offers on average around 2 mm of extra bone depth for miniscrew placement. Cortical bone thickness is adequate for primary miniscrew stability. Overall, cortical bone thickness considered at different insertion sites showed significant statistically (p < .05) differences. The findings of this study showed that palatal mucosa is particularly thick with average values ranging from 4 to 7 mm, and its extension ultimately affects miniscrew length selection. Palatal mucosa thickness showed no clinically significant differences comparing different sagittal and vertical insertion sites. Data also showed that palatal mucosal thickness slightly significantly increases (p < .05) with the inclination of the insertion axis relative to the occlusal plane. Finally, study findings showed that vertical growth pattern can significantly affect considered outcomes (p < .05).ConclusionsPalatal posterior supra-alveolar insertion site is an appropriate site for posterior insertion of palatal miniscrews. Considering high anatomical variation preliminary CBCT evaluation is important to achieve optimal miniscrew placement.

Persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea treated with skeletally anchored transpalatal distraction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nasomaxillary expansion using skeletally anchored transpalatal distraction (TPD) in children without transverse maxillary deficiency that were previously treated by rapid palatal expansion (RPE). Twenty-nine consecutive children were treated by TPD. Twenty-five children, aged 10-16 years completed pre- and post-operative clinical evaluations, questionnaires (OSA-18), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and polysomnography (PSG). The pre- and post-operative CBCT data were used to reconstruct the 3-dimensional shape of the upper airway. Two measures of airflow function (pressure and velocity) were simulated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) at four different airway segments (nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal). Twenty-three patients (92%) experienced improvement based on PSG. The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) improved from 6.72 ± 4.34 to 3.59 ± 5.11 (p<0.001) events per hour. Clinical symptoms based on OSA-18 scores were improved in all patients. Twenty-five patients (100%) had successful expansion defined as separation of the midpalatal suture at least 1mm from anterior nasal spine (ANS) to posterior nasal spine (PNS). The nasal sidewall widening was 2.59 ± 1,54 mm at canine, 2.91 ± 1,23 mm at first molar and 2.30 ± 1,29 mm at PNS. The ratio of dental expansion to nasal expansion was 1.12:1 (2.90mm:2.59mm) at canine and 1.37:1 (3.98mm:2.91mm) at first molar. The nasal airflow pressure reduced by 76% (-275.73 to -67.28 Pa) and the nasal airflow velocity reduced by over 50% (18.60 to 8.56 m/s). Nasomaxillary expansion by skeletally anchored TPD improves OSA in children without transverse maxillary deficiency that were previously treated by RPE. A nearly parallel anterior-posterior opening of the mid-palatal suture achieves enlargement of the entire nasal passage with improvement of the airflow characteristics in the nasal and pharyngeal airway. The improved airflow characteristic is significantly correlated with the improved polysomnographic findings, thus demonstrating that nasomaxillary expansion in previously expanded patients is a viable treatment option.

3D Printed Customized Facemask for Maxillary Protraction in the Early Treatment of a Class III Malocclusion: Proof-of-Concept Clinical Case.

In order to improve fit and comfort, a maxillary protraction facemask customized to the patient’s anatomy was produced by means of 3D face scanning, digital design and additive manufacturing. An 8-year-old patient in need of early treatment for the Class III malocclusion received a rapid palatal expander and a Petit-type facemask, whose components were digitally designed on a 3D scan of the patient’s face. For face scanning, the iPad Pro 2018 tablet (Apple, Cupertino, CA, USA) with the Bellus3D DentalPro application (Bellus3D, Campbell, CA, USA) was used. Facemask components were modelled with 3D Blender software. The rests were 3D printed in BioMed Clear biocompatible resin (Formlabs, Somerville, MA, USA), and the bar in stainless steel. For greater comfort, the internal surface of the rests was lined with a polymer gel pad (Silipos, Niagara Falls, NY, USA). The manufacturing procedure of the customized facemask is patented. The patient wore the facemask at night for a period of 9 months. The patient’s experience was evaluated with a questionnaire at 1 week, 3, 6, and 10 months of treatment. The customized facemask was well accepted by the patient and obtained the expected treatment outcome. Furthermore, 3D face scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing allow for the manufacturing of customized facemasks with improved fit and comfort, favoring patient compliance and treatment success.

Different hyrax expanders for rapid palatial expansion in adolescents with posterior cross-bite

The posterior cross bite ranges between 10% and 15%. Hence we aim to compare different hyrax expanders for rapid palatial expansion in adolescents with posterior cross-bite. We compared 30 adolescents aged 11 to 16 years, with posterior crossbite, equally divided to groups, Mini Hyrax group and Hyrax group. Dental effects, Impact on quality of life was assessed with the OHIP-14 questionnaire, VAS were compared. We observed that no significant differences in dentoalveolar effects, OHIP-14, pain perception between groups. Considering intra-group comparison, the reduction in pain perception among adolescents in the Mini Hyrax group was gradual. Among adolescents in the Hyrax group, a statistically significant reduction between 48 and 72 h was observed. We can conclude that there was no significant difference in dental effects, impact on quality of life and pain perception between adolescents wearing Mini Hyrax and Hyrax expanders in rapid palatal expansion.

Effect of Simvastatin and Low-Level Laser Therapy on Sutural Bone Formation After Expansion in Rats: Biomechanical, Computed Tomography and Immunohistochemical Assessment.

Introduction: The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and some medications have been shown to accelerate bone formation in rapid palatal expansion (RPE). A combination of these two therapeutic modalities may reduce the time required for the retention period. This study sought to assess the effects of simvastatin and LLLT, alone and combined, on sutural bone formation in rats. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats averagely weighing 150 g were divided into five groups (n=12) of control (group 1), 5 mg simvastatin (group 2), 10 mg simvastatin (group 3), LLLT (group 4), and LLLT plus 10 mg simvastatin (group 5). The expansion appliance was placed in the parietal bone in all groups. One week after placing the appliance, the spring was fixed with Duralay acrylic resin to serve as a retainer during the rest of the experiment. The rats were sacrificed after 30 (for biomechanical and computed tomography [CT] assessments) or 60 days (for biomechanical, CT and immunohistochemical [IHC] assessments). Results: Groups 3 and 4 showed a significant improvement in osteogenesis (confirmed by CT findings, histological analysis and biomechanical test) compared to the control group. Group 5 was significantly superior to all other groups in terms of all parameters (P < 0.001). Group 2 and the control group were not significantly different (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although LLLT, simvastatin treatment and the combination of both significantly improved sutural bone formation in rats compared to the control group, the combined treatment showed significantly superior clinical results compared to other interventions.

Maxillary Expansion: A Comparison of Damon Self-Ligating Bracket Therapy with MARPE and PAOO.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate arch parameters and dentoalveolar changes from pretreatment to posttreatment by comparing the Miniscrew Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE), Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO), and Damon self-ligating bracket therapies. Materials and Methods Seventy-nine patients underwent maxillary expansion followed by or in conjunction with Damon (n = 23), PAOO (n = 28), and MARPE (n = 28) therapies. Nine maxillary dental arch parameters were compared at pretreatment, posttreatment as well as, increments of treatment change. Measurements were made on STL study casts using 3Shape Ortho Analyzer 3D scanner software. Results All groups showed significant posterior width increase in the molar area. The mean increase in inter-molar distance was more than 8X greater in MARPE group compared to Damon and more than 4X greater compared to PAOO. MARPE showed significantly greater increments of change in inter-molar width and palatal vault area Conclusions All groups showed a significant width increase in the canine and molar area. MARPE showed the greatest increase in inter-molar width, followed by PAOO and Damon. MARPE was the only group to show a significant increase in palatal vault area.