Maxillary expansion in adults and adolescents with advanced skeletal maturation

Rowdley Robert Pereira ROSSI, Mônica Tírre de ARAÚJO, Ana Maria BOLOGNESE

The transverse maxillary deficiency is a complication factor in adults’ orthodontic treatment. Its correction still generates doubts and controversies between clinicians and researchers. The aim of this paper is to discuss the determinative factors in planning maxillary expansion in adults and adolescents with advanced skeletal maturation. Multiple dental absences, several dentoalveolar buccal inclination, gingival recession, alveolar bone loss and mobility of posterosuperior teeth contraindicate the rapid maxillary expansion in adults or patients with advanced skeletal maturation. However, these factors should not be considered separately when choosing the method for palatal expansion in adults. In these situations Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME) can be an option. And the choice of the surgical technique (SARME) should focus mainly the patient’s age, grade of skeletal maturation, anatomical structures that offer more resistance to the maxillary expansion and location of the palatal constriction. Hyrax is the expander appliance more indicated for patients that will be submitted to SARME.

Keywords: Maxillary expansion. Adults. Transverse maxillary deficiency.

Saturday, November 23, 2024 09:11