Skeletal and Dentoalveolar Changes after Skeletal Anchorage-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in Young Adults: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate skeletal and dentoalveolar changes before and after skeletal anchorage-assisted rapid palatal expansion in young adults by cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: This pilot study included ten patients with a mean age of 21.5 years with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with the skeletal expander. Three dimensional evaluation of the changes before and after expansion was evaluated with Cone Beam CT. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test. Results: Skeletal expander produced an increase in maxillary transverse dimension at the skeletal, alveolar, and dental level. The maximum expansion was at the level of dentition, and the least amount of expansion was at the level of the frontonasal suture. There was also evidence of sutural divergence and buccal tipping. Conclusion: The maxillary skeletal expander is an effective method for correction of maxillary transverse deficiency without surgery in adults.

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