Vertical Cephalometric Changes produced by the Bonded Rapid Maxillary Expander, in Growing Patients

Mary Haido VARDAKAS, Weber URSI, Flávio CALÇADA, Gilberto Vilanova QUEIROZ, João ATTA, Guilherme Araújo ALMEIDA

This study was conducted to evaluate the vertical cephalometric changes, with a bonded rapid maxillary expansion appliance. The sample consisted of 25 children, twelve female and thirteen male, whose age ranged from 7 years and 3 months and 14 years and 1 month. The patients presented maxillary constriction and were treated with rapid maxillary expansion, and evaluated cephalometrically, in the pre and post treatment phase. Posterior crossbite was efficiently corrected in all cases. Changes (p<0,005) were observed in the palatal plane with a clockwise rotation and inferior movement of the anterior nasal spine, together with an increase upper facial height, upper incisor extrusion and an increase in the inclination of the mandibular plane. The first molars presented a distinct movement, in relation to the palatal plane and S-N line. In relation to the first, there did not show significant changes, but in the second there was an increase. The net result was an increase in the lower anterior and total facial heights, but with lower values than what is generally observed with banded appliances. The bonded expander is a very efficient appliance to correct posterior crossbites, particularly indicated in patients with vertical growth pattern and open bite tendency, once the vertical increases observed are not substantial.

Keywords: Bonded Appliance. RME.

Sunday, December 29, 2024 00:06