Rapid maxillary expansion assisted by mini-screws in young adults: dentoalveolar and skeletal effects

Abstract

Since 1860, transverse maxillary deficiency has been studied and effectively treated in young adult patients with mucus-supported dental appliances, However, in post pubertal patients this treatment has limitations due the resistance of the midpalate suture, which makes the use of conventional maxillary appliances for expansion difficult, with a low success rate in post-pubertal patients and undesirable dental alveolar and soft tissues effects. In these cases, rapid maxillary expansion can be performed surgically or assisted by mini-screws. MARPE, due to its skeletal anchorage and lower cost, have been widely used to treat transverse maxillary deficiency in young adult patients, being successful in disjunction of the median palatal suture without compromising adjacent structures such as alveolar crest, buccal and palatal bone lamina, root resorptions/bone disease and dental inclinations.