Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion Research Articles

Numerical study of the impact of osteotomies and distractor location in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion for transverse maxillary deficiency

IntroductionThis paper employs finite element analysis to assess the biomechanical behavior of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) with a bone-borne transpalatal distractor (TPD) by varying surgical parameters. Material and methodsNine models were constructed to scrutinize the effects of pterygomaxillary disjunction (PMD), lateral osteotomy positioning, and TPD placement on displacement profiles and Von Mises stresses. These models encompassed variations such as no, unilateral or bilateral PMD, asymmetrical lateral osteotomy, and five TPD locations. ResultsPerforming a PMD reduces posterior resistance to transverse expansion, resulting in 10–20 % stress reduction around the maxillofacial complex. No significant changes in horizontal tipping were observed post-PMD. The asymmetric lateral osteotomy model exhibited larger displacements on the side with a more superiorly positioned osteotomy. Reduced stresses were observed at the maxillary body and medial pterygoid plate (superiorly), while increased stresses were observed at the medial (inferiorly) and lateral pterygoid plates. More posterior TPD placement facilitated more parallel expansion thus less horizontal tipping, albeit with increased vertical tipping. DiscussionSARPE procedures (distractor and osteotomy positions) can be tailored based on desired outcomes. PMD reduces stress within the maxillofacial complex but doesn't significantly affect tipping. Higher lateral osteotomies lead to increased displacements, more posterior distractors to more parallel expansion.

Effect of different palatal expanders with miniscrews in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion: A non-linear finite element analysis.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) has been the treatment of choice in subjects presenting skeletally mature sutures. The purpose of this study was to analyze stress distribution and displacement of the craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures resulting from three types of palatal expanders with surgical assistance using a non-linear finite element analysis. Three different palatal expanders were designed: Model-I (tooth-bone-borne type containing four miniscrews), Model-II (tooth-bone-borne type containing two miniscrews), and Model-III (bone-borne type containing four miniscrews). A Le Fort I osteotomy was performed, and a total of 5.0 mm palatal expansion was simulated. Nonlinear analysis (three theory) method (geometric nonlinear theory, nonlinear contact theory, and nonlinear material methods) was used to evaluate stress and displacement of several craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures. Regardless of the maxillary expander device type, surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion produces greater anterior maxillary expansion than posterior (ANS ranged from 2.675 mm to 3.444 mm, and PNS ranged from 0.522 mm to 1.721 mm); Model-I showed more parallel midpalatal suture opening pattern - PNS/ANS equal to 54%. In regards to ANS, Model-II (1.159 mm) and Model-III (1.000 mm) presented larger downward displacement than Model-I (0.343 mm). PNS displaced anteriorly more than ANS for all devices; Model-III presented the largest amount of forward displacement for PNS (1.147 mm) and ANS (1.064 mm). All three type of expanders showed similar dental displacement, and minimal craniofacial sutures separation. As expected, different maxillary expander designs produce different primary areas and levels of stresses (the bone-borne expander presented minimal stress at the teeth and the tooth-bone-borne expander with two miniscrews presented the highest). Based on this finite element method/finite element analysis, the results showed that different maxillary expander designs produce different primary areas and levels of stresses, minimal displacement of the craniofacial sutures, and different skeletal V-shape expansion.

Evidences From Systematic Reviews Regarding Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) Approach In Orthodontics

Background. Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) has been considered as relatively novel and effective method of orthodontic treatment, but the discussion is still ongoing regarding effectiveness of MARPE for different age population groups, while also in comparison with surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion or conventional rapid maxillary expansions, since evidences available for MARPE is mostly of insufficient quality.
 Objective. To collect and represent evidences of MARPE treatment outcomes in orthodontics based on the data available within systematic reviews.
 Materials and Methods. Search was provided via PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus databases, while also within Cochrane Library. Only systematic reviews written in English were considered for analysis. Primary outcomes such as success rate (percentage of cases, where required maxillary width was achieved) and maxillary expansion rate in means of midpalatal split, dental intermolar width, skeletal and dentoalveolar expansion, palatal suture opening, palatal width measured in millimeters or percentage were tabulated and analyzed. Secondary outcomes were presented in descriptive manner 
 Results. Overall 12 systematic reviews were enrolled into study group of targeted publications. Among these 12 systematic reviews primary outcomes were extracted from 8 of them, while rest 4 systematic reviews were used for analysis of secondary outcomes. Succes rate of MARPE varied in the range of 82.8-100%, while intermolar width increase after MARPE treatment – in the range of 4.79-6.55 mm. 
 Conclusion. Considering data available within systematic reviews MARPE approach seems to be reliable orthodontic treatment option, which help to gain significant increase for skeletal and dental intermolar width among patients with maxillary transverse deficiency. Such treatment strategy provides better results than conventional rapid maxillary expansion and lesser periodontal negative consequences compare to surgical-assisted rapid palatal expansion, even though quality of data supporting these statements are insufficient and debatable.

Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) was introduced to release bony resistance to facilitate skeletal expansion in skeletally mature patients. However, asymmetric expansion between the left and right sides has been reported in 7.52% of all SARPE patients, of which 12.90% had to undergo a second surgery for correction. The etiologies leading to asymmetric expansion remain unclear. Finite element analysis has been used to evaluate the stress associated with SARPE in the maxillofacial structures. However, as a collision of the bone at the LeFort I osteotomy sites occurs only after a certain amount of expansion, most of the existing models do not truly represent the force distribution, given that the expansion amount of these existing models rarely exceeds 1 mm. Therefore, there is a need to create a novel finite element model of SARPE that could perform a clinically required amount of expander activation for further analysis of the expansion patterns of the hemimaxillae in all three dimensions. A three-dimensional (3D) skull model from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was imported into Mimics and converted into mathematical entities to segment the maxillary complex, maxillary first premolars, and maxillary first molars. These structures were transferred into Geomagic for surface smoothing and cancellous bone and periodontal ligament creation. The right half of the maxillary complex was then retained and mirrored to create a perfectly symmetrical model in SolidWorks. A Haas expander was constructed and banded to the maxillary first premolars and first molars. Finite element analysis of various combinations of buccal osteotomies at different angles with 1 mm clearance was performed in Ansys. A convergence test was conducted until the desired amount of expansion on both sides (at least 6 mm in total) was achieved. This study lays the foundation for evaluating how buccal osteotomy angulation influences the expansion patterns of SARPE.

Posterior Palatal Expansion via Subnasal Endoscopy (2PENN) for Maxillary Deficiency: A Pilot Study.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) addresses transverse maxillary deficiency, a known contributor to nasal obstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, preliminary outcomes, and safety of posterior palatal expansion via subnasal endoscopy (2PENN), a modified SARPE procedure, aimed at achieving anterior and posterior maxillary expansion. This prospective case series included consecutive adult patients with findings of transverse maxillary deficiency that underwent the 2PENN procedure from 4/2021 to 4/2022. Patients completed pre- and post-operative clinical evaluations, Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaires, and computed tomography (CT), with measures including expansion at the level of the posterior nasal spine (PNS), first maxillary inter-molar distance (IMD), and anterior nasal spine (ANS). The cohort (N = 20) was middle-aged (39 ± 11 years), predominantly male (80%), and overweight (BMI 28 ± 4 kg/m2 ). The majority (85%) of patients had sleep breathing issues, of which 10 (59%) had polysomnography-confirmed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Full anterior-posterior separation of the mid-palatal suture line was evident on all post-operative CT scans, with mean expansion at the PNS of 3.6 ± 1.3 mm, IMD of 6.1 ± 1.6 mm and ANS of 7.0 ± 1.6 mm (p < 0.001). Following surgery, mean NOSE scores improved from 57 ± 23 to 14 ± 13 (p < 0.001). One patient required maxillary antrostomy for post-operative sinusitis. 2PENN is an effective and safe technique for achieving both anterior and posterior maxillary expansion in patients with transverse maxillary deficiency. Further study is warranted to better understand the effect of 2PENN in patients with OSA, particularly as it relates to improving pharyngeal patency. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1970-1977, 2024.

Antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical site infections in orthognathic surgery – a retrospective analysis

BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine surgical site infection (SSI) rates and potential risk factors as well as to evaluate antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included patients who received orthognathic surgery. SSIs and their management were assessed for up to one year post-operatively. The applied antibiotic regime and other possible influencing factors (smoking, age, site of infection, drainage, duration of surgery, displacement distances, craniofacial malformations) were assessed.ResultsIn total 291 patient met the inclusion criteria (56.7% female). The mean age at surgery was 25.5 ± 8.5 years. Fifty-four patients (18.6%) were diagnosed with a craniofacial malformation. Relevant previous surgeries were documented in about one quarter of included patients (n = 75). Ninety-two percent of patients (n = 267) received intraoperative single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgical site infections occurred in 12.4% (n = 36) of patients. There was a significant association between postoperative infections and type of surgery (P = .037) as well as type of drainage (P = .002). Statistical analyses also revealed a higher prevalence of smokers (P = .036) and previous surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) (P = .018) in the infection group. Furthermore, no significant relationships were observed between postoperative infections and various co-factors (i.e. antibiotic regime, age at surgery, gender, associated craniofacial malformations, surgery duration, displacement distances, mandibular setback vs. advancement).ConclusionLow rates of SSIs occurred following an intraoperative single-dose antibiotic regime. None of the SSIs had a significant effect on the final surgical outcome. Present data do not warrant escalation of the antibiotic regimen. Postoperative smoking and capillary drainage should be avoided.

Effects of SARPE and MISMARPE on correction of transverse maxillary deficiency: A preliminary comparative evaluation.

The present study was designed to compare, on cone-beam computed tomography imaging, the skeletal and dental effects of the SARPE (Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion) and MISMARPE (Minimally Invasive Surgical and Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) techniques. The sample of adult patients with transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD) was divided into two groups, and scans were obtained preoperatively (T0) and immediately after completion of expansion (T1). The posterior and anterior linear transverse distances of the maxilla and the angulation of the maxillary first molars were evaluated. The data were entered into a generalized estimating equations model to verify the postoperative effects of the different techniques. None of the techniques caused any appreciable change in the angulation of the molars. The skeletal changes were similar, with significantly greater gains in the nasal fossa and intermaxillary distance when using the MISMARPE. The technique can be an effective and lower morbidity alternative to SARPE.

Can surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) be recommended over orthodontic rapid palatal expansion (ORPE) for girls above the age of14? : Acone-beam CT study on midpalatal suture maturation.

For patients with amaxillary transversal deficiency (MTD), various treatment options are available, partly based on the practitioner's experience. This study aimed to determine acut-off age for decision making between surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) over orthodontic rapid palatal expansion (ORPE) based on skeletal maturation in afemale population. A total of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of young females were analyzed on maturation of the pterygomaxillary (PMS), zygomaticomaxillary (ZMS), transpalatal (TPS), and midpalatal (MPS) sutures. Based on the maturation of these four junctions, four independent observers had to determine whether they would prefer ORPE or SARPE to widen the maxilla. For the PMS, the results show aclosure of 83-100% from 13to 17years. As for the TPS, aclosure of 78-85% was observed from 15years of age. For the 15- to 17-year-old females, aclosed ZMS was present in 32-47%. Regarding MPS, closed sutures presented in 61% (stagesD andE) of the 15-year-old females. The cut-off age at which SARPE was recommended was 15.1years for the orthodontist observers and 14.8years for the maxillofacial surgeon observers. Significant maturation of MPS was reached at the age of15 in afemale population. The PMS, TPS, MPS, and ZMS closed sequentially. Acomprehensive diagnostic approach is necessary for choosing the appropriate treatment. When in doubt, age could assist decision making in afemale population, with acut-off age of 15years in favor of SARPE based on this study.

Sagittal and Vertical Changes of the Maxilla after Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is often performed to correct the transverse deficiency in the maxilla for skeletally mature patients. However, there is little consensus on the sagittal and vertical displacement of the maxilla after SARPE. This systematic review aims to analyze the position changes of the maxilla in the sagittal and vertical dimensions after the completion of SARPE. Registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022312103), this study complied with the 2020 PRISMA guideline and was conducted on 21 January 2023. Original studies were screened from MEDLINE (PubMed), Elsevier (SCOPUS), and Cochrane, and supplemented by hand-searching. Cephalometric changes of skeletal vertical and sagittal measurements were the focus. A fixed-effects model was applied in R for meta-analysis. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were included in the final review. Four studies had a high risk of bias, and the other three had a medium risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that the SNA angle increased by 0.50° ± 0.08° (95% confidence interval, 0.33° to 0.66°), and the SN-PP angle increased by 0.60° ± 0.09° (95% confidence interval, 0.41° to 0.79°) after SARPE. In summary, the maxilla displayed statistically significant forward and clockwise downward movement after SARPE. However, the amounts were small and might not be clinically significant. Due to the high risk of bias of included studies, our results must be taken cautiously. Future studies are needed to discern the effects of direction and angulation of the osteotomies of SARPE on the displacement of the maxilla.

Non-Surgical Transversal Dentoalveolar Compensation with Completely Customized Lingual Appliances versus Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in Adults-Tipping or Translation in Posterior Crossbite Correction?

The aim of this study was to investigate buccolingual tooth movements (tipping/translation) in surgical and nonsurgical posterior crossbite correction. A total of 43 patients (f/m 19/24; mean age 27.6 ± 9.5 years) treated with surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) and 38 patients (f/m 25/13; mean age 30.4 ± 12.9 years) treated with dentoalveolar compensation using completely customized lingual appliances (DC-CCLA) were retrospectively included. Inclination was measured on digital models at canines (C), second premolars (P2), first molars (M1), and second molars (M2) before (T0) and after (T1) crossbite correction. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in absolute buccolingual inclination change between both groups, except for the upper C (p < 0.05), which were more tipped in the surgical group. Translation, i.e., bodily tooth movements that cannot be explained by pure uncontrolled tipping, could be observed with SARPE in the maxilla and with DC-CCLA in both jaws. Dentoalveolar transversal compensation with completely customized lingual appliances does not cause greater buccolingual tipping compared to SARPE.

Three-Dimensional Analyses of Postoperative Effects of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) on the Soft Tissue of the Midface Region and the Upper Airway Space Using Stereophotogrammetry and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is an established method to treat transverse maxillary hypoplasia in skeletally mature adult patients. SARPE affects the surrounding soft tissue. In addition, effects on the airway and breathing have been described. Aim of this study was to assess the effects of SARPE on the nasal soft tissue and the upper airway by means of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study used preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry. Ten skeletally adult patients (4 male, 6 female; mean age 27.68 years) with transverse maxillary hypoplasia were included. Patients had undergone SARPE procedure, performed by the same surgical team using the same technique. Nasal soft tissue changes were analyzed, using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry records taken preoperatively (t0) and at the postoperative checkup appointment (t1). The upper airway was assessed using CBCT scans for surgical planning (t0) and the first scan taken after SARPE (t1). In stereophotogrammetry, it was shown that only a few soft tissue nasal parameters increased significantly and SARPE leads to mainly clinically irrelevant changes in nasal soft tissue. In CBCT, only a significant increase in nasopharyngeal airway volume was found. Results were in alignment with literature. The effects of SARPE on the nasal soft tissue are mostly statistically insignificant and clinically irrelevant. Airway volume significantly increased in the nasopharyngeal area. Further research on SARPE effects should be conducted to reinforce SARPE as a treatment option for sleep apnea patients.

Comparative Evaluation of Skeletal and Dental Effects of Mini-Implant Assisted and Corticopuncture-Facilitated Rapid Palatal Expansion in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract Introduction: Conventional rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in adults is difficult due to increased skeletal maturity of the midpalatal suture. Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) treatment is recommended for adults with strongly consolidated sutures but has lesser acceptance due to its invasive nature. Mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) produced dentoalveolar side effects along with some skeletal effects in adults while being highly successful in adolescents and young adults. A lesser invasive technique combined with a purely bone-borne-rapid-maxillary-expansion appliance (BBRME) is suggested in this study to achieve maximum skeletal effects and minimize the dentoalveolar side effects of expansion in adults with completely fused midpalatal sutures as an alternative to SARPE. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare skeletal and dental effects of mini-implant assisted, and corticopuncture-facilitated rapid palatal expansion in adults. Material and Methods: A randomized clinical study was performed on 18 patients (mean age 20.77 years) who were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (Corticopuncture-facilitated BBRME) and Group B (conventional MARPE). Pretreatment (T0) and postexpansion (T1) skeletal and dental effects of both the groups were analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography imaging. Results: A student’s paired t-test was used to evaluate the difference in expansion achieved between the two groups (T1-T0). Group A (BBRME with corticopunctures) showed increased transverse widths at the basal bone, nasal base, and jugal processes. Group B (conventional MARPE) showed increased inclination of the posterior teeth indicating dental tipping. Both groups were successfully treated with their respective protocols but dentoalveolar side effects were significantly less in group A (BBRME) suggesting a better prognosis in BBRME group. Conclusions: Greater skeletal changes were seen in group A (BBRME) (P &lt; 0.05*) than in group B. Group B (MARPE) showed more dental side effects like dental tipping and lesser skeletal expansion. Corticopuncture-facilitated bone-borne RME (BBRME) is a viable and efficient method of maximizing skeletal expansion in adults with fully obliterated midpalatal sutures.

Comparison of 3 different bone-borne type expansion appliances used in surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion: A finite element analysis

This study aimed to compare the effects of 3 different bone-borne type expansion appliances used in the surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) by finite element analysis. Three different miniscrew-supported palatal expansion appliances were modeled. Median and lateral osteotomies were performed without pterygomaxillary suture separation. Model I consisted of a palatal expander with 2 miniscrews placed 4 mm far from the midpalatal suture. In model II, 2 miniscrews were located at the alveolar ridge between the first molar and the second premolar. In model III, 4 miniscrews were placed as a combination of the first and second models. Stress distributions and amount of displacements were evaluated with Ansys software (version 19.2; Ansys, Canonsburg, Pa) for 5-mm expansion in a symmetrical finite element analysis model to reflect the clinical situation. SARPE simulation using miniscrew-assisted maxillary expanders for all models showed a rotation and tipping of the maxilla. The largest displacement was found for the anterior part of the palate in model II and the posterior part in model III. Although a wedge-shaped expansion pattern was observed in all models, this form was more prominent in model II. The highest stress value (0.91 MPa) was measured in model I, and the lowest value (0.004 MPa) was measured in model II for the anterior nasal spine region. The highest stress value (0.51 MPa) was measured in model III, and the lowest value (0.12 MPa) was measured in model II for the posterior nasal spine region. The lowest stress values were measured in model II for all the craniofacial and maxillofacial structures. Among the models, the lowest stress distribution conditions for craniofacial and maxillofacial structures were found in model II. The largest displacement was found at the incisors and anterior part of the maxilla for model II. The greatest displacement was found at the posterior region for model III.

The 'Powerbite' and surgical rapid expansion.

Adults presenting with transverse maxillomandibular discrepancies in Class III skeletal patterns, asymmetries and anterior open bite can be challenging to treatment plan and manage. Therefore, they often necessitate a multidisciplinary approach, with surgical input from the oral and maxillofacial team. It can be difficult to assess how much the maxilla needs to be expanded after surgery in these patients, as the upper and lower teeth cannot be brought into occlusion. We aim to discuss the use of a device we have come to call the 'Powerbite', which is used intra-orally to assess the expansion of the maxilla after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) and establish when expansion is sufficient to accommodate the mandibular arch. This device is not novel, last described in 1986 in the Journal of Orthodontics.

Maxillary transverse deficiency, with closed intermaxillary suture, does bone-anchored appliance during SARPE cause predictable, and stable maxillary expansion compared to the tooth-borne appliance during SARPE – Systematic review

IntroductionManaging maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) with closed intermaxillary suture is a challenge in orthodontic treatment plans; over the years, clinicians have developed many approaches to treat this significant dentofacial deformity. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of MTD and to establish an effective treatment method for restoring the ideal aesthetics and functions for patients.A current and effective SARPE technique for expanding the maxillary arch involves performing 2-piece Le Fort I osteotomy to surgically apply horizontal force to the maxilla along the midpalatal suture in conjunction with either a tooth-borne or bone-borne appliance. Material and methodsA systemic review was conducted in order to investigate the differences between the two treatment methods for MTD with matured and closed intermaxillary suture: bone-anchored and tooth-borne appliance during SARPE (surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion). The review was conducted in the English language through PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. The protocol is being reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. ResultsThis research, however, is subject to several limitations, including minimal randomization, limited sample size, indefinite measurement methods, and a short follow-up period. Each method of maxillary transverse deficiency therapy has been proven to be effective in expanding the maxillary arch. ConclusionFrom the analysis of the articles, it was concluded that bone-anchored appliances have a more predictable and stable expansion compared to the tooth-borne appliance during SARPE. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.

Effects of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion on Facial Soft Tissues: A Systematic Review

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is a successful method for treating transverse discrepancies in adult patients. The relocation of maxillary segments may induce changes at the surrounding soft tissues as well. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the possible effects that SARPE may have in the soft tissues of the face. Our search strategy included electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library) and a hand search of the reference list of found reviews. A priori definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria was made. Finally, 15 articles were included in qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias was generally high among the included studies. Study outcomes included nasal, labial, nasolabial and other facial soft tissue measurements. The evaluation of the changes was two-dimensional in six studies, and three-dimensional in nine studies. Meta-analysis was unfeasible due to lack of standardization, important methodological limitations, and shortcomings of the studies. A post-surgical increase in the dimensions of the alar width and the alar base width was commonly reported among the included studies. However, the above should be considered with caution due to the high risk of bias and the inability for quantitative synthesis.

Non-Surgical Transversal Dentoalveolar Compensation with Completely Customized Lingual Appliances versus Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in Adults-The Amount of Posterior Crossbite Correction.

The aim of this study was to compare the crossbite correction of a group (n = 43; f/m 19/24; mean age 27.6 ± 9.5 years) with surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) versus a non-surgical transversal dentoalveolar compensation (DC) group (n = 38; f/m 25/13; mean age 30.4 ± 12.9 years) with completely customized lingual appliances (CCLA). Arch width was measured on digital models at the canines (C), second premolars (P2), first molars (M1) and second molars (M2). Measurements were obtained before treatment (T0) and at the end of lingual treatment (T1) or after orthodontic alignment prior to a second surgical intervention for three-dimensional bite correction. There was no statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the amount of total crossbite correction between the SARPE and DC-CCLA group at C, P2, M1 and M2. Maxillary expansion was greater in the SARPE group and mandibular compression was greater in the DC-CCLA group. Crossbite correction in the DC-CCLA group was mainly a combination of maxillary expansion and mandibular compression. Dentoalveolar compensation with CCLAs as a combination of maxillary expansion and mandibular compression seems to be a clinically effective procedure to correct a transverse maxillo-mandibular discrepancy without the need for surgical assistance.

Slow expansion in orthodontics -A review article

One of the most common problems faced by an orthodontist while treating young as well as adult patients is the constricted maxillary arch. Expansion of the maxillary arch has been a topic of debate since centuries. The commonly used methods for constricted arch include slow maxillary expansion, rapid maxillary expansion and surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). Slow palatal expansion is a procedure to expand the maxillary arch in transverse dimension to correct the constricted maxillary arch with light forces. The following review article provides detailed information of various slow maxillary expansion appliances with their implications in orthodontics.

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion: is the pterygomaxillary disjunction necessary? A finite element study

Transverse discrepancy is an important factor in determining facial esthetics. It has been shown there is an inverse correlation between the buccal corridor width and the intercanine and intermolar widths. Despite the fact midpalatal expansion is the treatment of choice for growing subjects, for skeletally mature subjects the rapid palatal expansion has limited orthopedic effects, and surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is preferred. SARPE has shown inconsistencies depending on the surgical technique and/or expander device design. Some authors suggest that median and lateral osteotomies are sufficient to achieve the desired transverse dimensions using the SARPE procedure, while others recommend additional surgical separation of the pterygomaxillary junction. There are still controversies regarding the pterygomaxillary sutures (PMS) disjunction effect. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the displacement and stress distribution of the craniofacial structures resulting from SARPE, either with or without PMS osteotomy, using two different expander design (tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne) using finite element method and finite element analysis (FEM/FEA). Regardless of the maxillary expander device type, both SARPE surgical techniques effectively produced maxillary expansion. SARPE with PMS osteotomy presented parallel maxillary expansion, and reduced stress values in the craniofacial and maxillofacial structures.

Effects on Muscular Activity after Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Prospective Observational Study.

The study aims to investigate the modifications in the temporalis and the masseter activity in adult patients before and after SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) by measuring electromyographic and electrokinesographic activity. 24 adult patients with unilateral posterior crossbite on the right side were selected from the Orthodontic Department of the University of Milan. Three electromyographic and electrokinesographic surface readings were taken respectively before surgery (T0) and 8 months after surgery (T1). The electromyographic data of both right and left masseter and anterior temporalis muscles were recorded during multiple tests: standardized maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)s, after transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and at rest. T0 and T1 values were compared with paired Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found in the activity of right masseter (p = 0.03) and right temporalis (p = 0.02) during clench, in the evaluation of right masseter at rest (p = 0.03), also the muscular activity of masseters at rest after TENS from T0 to T1 (pr = 0.04, pl = 0.04). No significant differences were found in the activity of left masseter (p = 0.41) and left temporalis (p = 0.39) during clench and MVC, in the evaluation of left masseter at rest (p = 0.57) and in the activity during MVC of right masseter (p = 0.41), left masseter (p = 0.34), right temporalis (p = 0.51) and left temporalis (p = 0.77). Results showed that the activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles increased significantly after SARPE during rest and clenching on the side where the cross-bite was treated.