Skeletal Changes Accompanying Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Adults A Computed Temography Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARPE) is a common procedure to correct maxillary transverse deficiency of >5mm in patients with closed midpalatal suture. The aim of this study was to three dimensionally analyze skeletal changes afterSARPE.Studydesign: Twelve adult patients (mean age 20 years)with a palatal transverse deficiency underwent SARPE. The surgical procedure consisted of a lateral osteotomy combined with an interradicular osteotomy between the roots of the upper central incisors. Measuring points were defined on the hard palate. Cone beam computerized tomography scans were performed preoperatively and 6-months postoperatively.Results: Skeletal changes accompanying SARPE utilizing Hyrax appliance were analyzed.Conclusions: Bilateral osteotomy combined with a sagital osteotomy is a safe method of SARPE. The expansion was mostly achieved by maxillary expansion. The amount of dentoalveolar tipping was smaller than reported.