Maxillary Expansion and Its Effects on Circummaxillary Structures: A Review

Abstract

Transverse maxillary discrepancies are the most common. The narrowed upper arch is the most prevalent problem an orthodontist encounter while treating adolescent and adult patients. Maxillary expansion is a technique used to increase the upper arch's transverse dimension to apply forces to widen the upper arch. For young children, a narrow maxillary arch has to be corrected using orthopedic and orthodontic treatments. In an orthodontic treatment plan, it is crucial to update transverse maxillary defeat. There are various clinical manifestations associated with a transverse maxillary deficiency which include a narrow palate, crossbite mainly seen in posteriors (unilateral or bilateral), severe crowding in anterior teeth, and cone-shaped hypertrophy can be seen. Some frequently used therapies for constricted upper arch include slow maxillary expansion, rapid maxillary expansion, and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Slow maxillary expansion requires light and constant force, whereas rapid maxillary expansion needs heavy pressure for activation. The surgical-assisted rapid maxillary expansion has gradually become popular to correct transverse maxillary hypoplasia. The maxillary expansion has various consequences on the nasomaxillary complex. There are multiple effects of maxillary expansion on the nasomaxillary complex. Mainly, the effect is seen on the mid-palatine suture along with the palate, maxilla, mandible, temporomandibular joint, soft tissue, and anterior and posterior upper teeth. It also affects functions like speech and hearing. Information on maxillary expansion is provided in depth in the following review article, along with its various effects on the surrounding structure.

Unusual systemic and nondental effects of maxillary expansion therapy: A comprehensive and updated review of literature

“…Skeletal changes are still discernible even if the expansion is solely dental. [ 25 ] Structures surrounding the maxilla have less tissue resistance, and the midpalatine suture has more bone development. As a result, it lessens the negative effects of RME.…”

“…Studies have demonstrated that great postexpansion stability is promoted by slow expansion procedure. [ 25 ] It consistently exerts a physiological force. The front teeth have very little or no tipping.…”

“…Teeth that are anchored are barely stressed. [ 25 ] The gadget will be comfortable and lightweight in the patient's opinion. There are extremely few recurrent tendencies.…”

“…In patients with a crossbite, SME is recommended to alleviate minor crowding by creating gaps. [ 25 ] It is indicated for patients with minor maxillary constriction and cleft lip and palate to undergo slow palatal expansion, which applies light, continuous stresses to the patient. However, it should not be used on patients whose growth is finished.…”

Prediction of Midpalatal Suture Maturation Stage Based on Transfer Learning and Enhanced Vision Transformer

“…Maxillary stenosis is often accompanied by a narrow nasal respiratory tract, which may lead to sleep apnea syndrome [2,3] and affect patients' normal lives. The most effective method to treat transverse maxillary hypoplasia is maxillary expansion [4], which means that the maxilla widens to match the width of the upper and lower jaws by opening the midpalatal suture (MPS) with external force, and the maturation of the MPS directly [5,6] affects the selection of the treatment method of maxillary expansion.…”