Midpalatal suture ossification post rapid palatal expansion: a radiographic study

Omar Gabriel da SILVA FILHO, Guilherme Fernandes GRAZIANI, Rita de Cássia Moura Carvalho LAURIS, Tulio Silva LARA

Objective: the current study aims at following up radiographically the evolution of the midpalatal suture during the expansion procedure since the opening of the suture until bone formation. Methods: the sample comprised 38 patients in the mixed dentition stage submitted to the rapid palatal expansion protocol of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Results: it was observed an individual variation on the period of bone ossification of the midpalatal suture, which justifies the radiographic follow-up as determinant for the appliance removal. Due to long-term post-treatment stability, the expander should be removed after the new suture is completely formed. Conclusions: the findings show that it is necessary more than three months for the complete reorganization of the midpalatal suture during the passive phase of the rapid palatal expansion.

Keywords: Rapid maxillary expansion. Diagnostic imaging. Orthodontics. Suture.

Saturday, November 23, 2024 09:54