Would midpalatal suture characteristics help to predict the success rate of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion?

Midpalatal suture maturation in 15- to 35-year-olds: morphological assessment in the coronal plane using CBCT-an exploratory study

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is used in patients presenting transverse maxillary deficiency. However, RME may be unpredictable after late adolescence if the midpalatal sutural maturation stage (MPMS) is in late stage. Since MPMS evaluation is influenced by the expertise of the operator and image quality, this classification method could be complemented. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the morphology of the midpalatal suture (MPS) and its surrounding bone in the coronal plane using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of adolescents and young adults and to correlate the findings with their respective MPMS status. CBCT scans of 200 patients aged 15-35 years of both sexes were evaluated. MPS and surrounding bone tissue characteristics in the coronal and axial sections were analyzed, and MPMS was evaluated (A to E). Six categories were identified for the coronal evaluation, analyzing it in 2 standardized locations. Sutural morphology: I, hypodense sutural line limited by 2 hyper-dense para-sutural lines; II, hypodense sutural line; and III, suture not visible. The presence of para-sutural cancellous bone: CB0, compact bone; CB1, dense cancellous tissue; CB2, spaced cancellous bone. Midpalatal bone thickness (MBTh) was also measured. ANOVA-Bonferroni, chi-square, logistic regression and t-tests were used. MPMS increased with age. Sutural morphology I and CB0 bone were the most prevalent. Here we show that sutural morphology, para-sutural bone characteristics, and MPSM were significantly associated. The coronal evaluation of the MPS can complement the information from the MPSM assessment, allowing the identification of patent MPS even in the presence of late MPSM.

Impact of different cephalometric skeletal configurations on anatomic midface parameters in adults

OBJECTIVES

Skull morphology and growth patterns are essential for orthodontic treatment, impacting clinical decision making. We aimed to determine the association of different cephalometric skeletal configurations on midface parameters as measured in 3D CT datasets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After sample size calculation, a total of 240 fully dentulous patients between 20 and 79 years of age (mean age: 42 ± 15), who had received a CT of the skull within the scope of trauma diagnosis or intracranial bleeding, were retrospectively selected. On the basis of cephalometric analysis, using MPR reconstructions, patients were subdivided into three different vertical skull configurations (brachyfacial, mesofacial, dolichofacial) and the respective skeletal Class I, II, and III relationships. Anatomic parameters were measured using a three-dimensional post-processing console: the thickness of the maxillary and palatine bones as well as the alveolar crest, maxillary body and sutural length, width and height of the hard palate, maxillary facial wall thickness, and masseter muscle thickness and length.

RESULTS

Individuals with brachyfacial configurations had a significantly increased palatal and alveolar ridge thicknesses compared to those with dolichofacial- or mesofacial configurations. Brachyfacial configurations presented a significantly increased length and thickness of the masseter muscle (4.599 cm; 1.526 cm) than mesofacial (4.431 cm; 1.466 cm) and dolichofacial configurations (4.405 cm; 1.397 cm) (p < 0.001). Individuals with a skeletal Class III had a significantly shorter palatal length (5.313 cm) than those with Class I (5.406 cm) and Class II (5.404 cm) (p < 0.01). Sutural length was also significantly shorter in Class III (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal configurations have an impact on parameters of the bony skull. Also, measurable adaptations of the muscular phenotype could result.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The association between viscerocranial morphology and midface anatomy might be beneficial for tailoring orthodontic appliances to individual anatomy and planning cortically anchored orthodontic appliances.

Digital workflow for mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander fabrication-a case report

BACKGROUND

Non-surgical mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion, or midfacial skeletal expansion, is a paradigm-shifting concept that in recent years has expanded the envelope of orthopedic movement in the transverse direction for adult patients. Although adding mini-screws to a rapid palatal expander is not complicated, accurate and successful expansion strongly depends on the device's position and its relation to the resisting structures of the maxillofacial complex.

CASE PRESENTATION

This article presents a digital workflow to locate the optimal position of the Midfacial Skeletal Expander (MSE) device in a CBCT-combined intraoral scan file and describes how to transfer the MSE position intra-orally with properly sized bands during the device fabrication. The complete digital workflow of MSE fabrication and its application for a Class III orthognathic surgical case is presented in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes a completely digital process that can accurately position the MSE device according to the orientation and morphology of maxillary basal bone, which is crucial in adult cases demand maxillary expansion.

Immediate dentoskeletal and periodontal effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion: Comparison between young vs middle-aged adults

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal and periodontal changes after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in patients aged 18-29 and 30-45 years.

METHODS

The sample comprised 28 subjects with transverse maxillary discrepancy successfully treated with MARPE. The young adult (YA) group comprised 14 subjects (mean age, 22.8 years; 3 male, 11 female). The middle adult (MA) group comprised 14 subjects (mean age, 36.8 years; 6 male, 8 female). All patients were treated with a 4-miniscrew MARPE expander. The activation protocol was one quarter turn twice a day until the midline diastema opening, followed by one quarter turn a day until overcorrection. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken before and immediately after the expansion was analyzed using OnDemand3D Dental software. Using CBCT coronal images, transversal dentoskeletal and periodontal variables were measured in the preexpansion and postexpansion. Intergroup comparisons of expansion changes were performed using t and Mann-Whitney tests (P <0.05).

RESULTS

Groups were compatible at preexpansion for most CBCT measurements. A success rate of midpalatal suture opening of 100% and 81% was observed for YA and MA groups, respectively. No intergroup differences were found for the maxillary and dental arch widths increases. The buccal tip of anchorage teeth was observed similarly in both groups. The buccal bone thickness of posterior teeth decreased, and the palatal bone thickness increased after expansion with no difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After MARPE, the MA group showed similar dentoskeletal and periodontal changes compared to the YA group.

Three-dimensional analysis of miniscrew position changes during bone-borne expansion in young and late adolescent patients

INTRODUCTION

Maxillary expansion in patients at the end of their growth relies on the possibility to use miniscrew supported expanders to apply expansion forces directly to the midpalatal suture. Although miniscrews provide a stable anchorage unit, several studies have reported that they do not remain in exactly the same position during treatment. The aim of the present study was to analyze miniscrew position changes after the expansion using bone-borne appliances in late adolescent patients.

METHODS

Nineteen patients (13 females, 6 males), with a mean age of 17.81 (SD = 4.66), were treated with a Bone-Borne Expander Device. The appliance was designed with 4 miniscrews: 2 in the anterior palatal area, at the third rugae level; 2 in the posterior area. A CBCT and an intraoral scan were obtained before treatment (T0), and then, a second CBCT was obtained after the expansion (T1). Data on peri-suture bone thickness were collected at T0, then the CBCTs were superimposed, and changes between mini-screws position on T0 and T1 were evaluated, both by linear and angular displacements.

RESULTS

Significant longitudinal differences were found in the distance of the head and the tip of miniscrews measured at the occlusal plane, as well as angular changes. Correlations between displacement measurements and peri-suture bone thickness and height measurements were found as well.

CONCLUSIONS

While acting as bone anchor units, miniscrews do not remain in the same position during bone-borne expansion. The amount of displacement was related to peri-sutural total bone height and cortical thickness, especially in the anterior area of the naso-frontal maxillary complex.

Evaluation of palate-related factors of the effectiveness of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion in late adolescents and adults

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the factors of the effectiveness of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults, such as age, midpalatal suture maturation (MPSM) stage, palate length (PL), palatal index (PI), and midpalatal bone thickness (MBT), and at each microimplant position, the palate bone thickness (PBT), the nasal cortical bone thickness (CoTN), the cancellous bone thickness (CaT), and the palate cortical bone thickness (CoTP) were evaluated.

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 50 patients (mean, 23.30 ± 7.03 years; range, 16-51 years) treated with MARPE were evaluated. Maxillary expansion ratio (MER) was used to assess the MARPE effectiveness and grouped patients into low and high MER groups according to the mean of MER. MER was the ratio of maxillary expansion width to MARPE screw expansion measured in CBCT images. The t-test was used to analyze the differences between the low and high MER groups. The Pearson correlation test was performed to investigate the correlation between MER and age, MPSM stage, PL, PI, MBT, PBT, CoTN, CaT, and CoTP.

RESULTS

Age, MPSM stage, and MBT in regions 18 mm and 21 mm behind the incisor foramen correlated negatively with MER ([Formula: see text], - 0.390, - 0.386, and - 0.335, respectively, all [Formula: see text]), whereas PBT and CoTN of anterior microimplant positions correlated positively with MER ([Formula: see text] and 0.418, respectively, all [Formula: see text]). No correlation was observed between other variables and MER.

CONCLUSIONS

MARPE effectiveness decreased as age and midpalatal suture maturation stage increased, respectively. Thinner midpalatal suture bone in regions 18 mm and 21 mm behind the incisor foramen, thicker palate bone, and nasal cortical bone of anterior microimplant positions were related to more effective MARPE.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In patients with older chronological age and later MPSM stages, MARPE effectiveness might be unsatisfactory. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the palate bone thickness before MARPE treatment.

Analysis of factors associated with the success of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion

INTRODUCTION

Success-related factors of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) were evaluated, including age, palatal depth, suture, and parassutural bone thickness, suture density and maturation, and the relation to corticopuncture (CP) technique, as well as skeletal and dental effects.

METHODS

Sixty-six cone-beam computed tomography scans were analyzed before and after rapid maxillary expansion procedures in 33 patients aged 18-52 years for both sexes. The scans were generated in digital imaging and communications in medicine file format and analyzed in the multiplanar reconstruction of the regions of interest. Palatal depth, suture thickness, density and maturation, age, and CP were assessed. To evaluate dental and skeletal effects, the sample was divided into 4 groups: successful MARPE (SM), SM + CP technique (SMCP), failure MARPE (FM), and FM + CP (FMCP).

RESULTS

Successful groups presented more skeletal expansion and dental tipping than failure groups (P <0.05). The mean age of the FMCP group was significantly higher than the SM groups; suture and parassutural thickness significantly related to the success, and patients who received CP showed a success rate of 81.2% compared with 33.3% in the no CP group (P <0.05). Suture density and palatal depth did not show a difference between the success and failure groups. Suture maturation was higher in SMCP and FM groups (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, thin palatal bone, and higher stage of maturation can influence the success of MARPE. CP technique in these patients appears to have a positive impact, increasing the chance of treatment success.

Influence of the palatal plane cant and skeletal patterns in the hard palate thickness?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the thickness of the hard palate at the different angles formed by the palatal plane and the Frankfort horizontal line using computed tomography in patients with different facial patterns for planning the installation of MARPE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The measurements were analysed in the hard palate of 106 patients. Four regions were selected passing through the mesial face, tangent at the level of the cemento-enamel junction of the premolars and molars. The bone thickness was measured from the floor of the nasal cavity to the cortical bone of the hard palate, 02 measurements with a distance of 05 mm between them (2.5 mm on each side starting from the midsagittal line) and 2 more with a distance of 7 mm between measurements (3.5 mm on each side starting from the midsagittal line). The palatal plane cant was determined based on the palatal plane and the Frankfort horizontal plane. The sagittal skeletal pattern was determined based on the ANB angle and the vertical skeletal pattern based on the SN.Go.Gn angle.

RESULTS

Palatal bone thickness was greater in males than in females. Regarding the sagittal skeletal pattern, patients with Class II were found to have a thinner hard palate than Class I and Class III patients. No difference in the vertical skeletal pattern was observed between groups. Regarding the palatal plane cant, bone thickness was greater in patients with clockwise rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful planning should be considered in the case of female patients; patients with greater angles of the palatal plane cant and Class II patients have a smaller bone thickness.

Age, Sex, and Maxillary Position Are Associated with Successful Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible predictors of success of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in skeletally mature patients. Additionally, factors associated with the amount of maxillary expansion were analyzed. Factors associated with MARPE success were analyzed in 53 adult patients (27 males, 26 females, mean age 25.8 ± 8.9 years, and range 18.0 to 56.6 years) who had a maxillary transverse deficiency greater than 2 mm and a cervical vertebral maturation stage of 6. Age at pretreatment (T1), sex, sutural bone density at T1, type of appliance, mode of microimplant fixation, and lateral cephalometric variables at T1 were considered for inclusion as predictors for MARPE success. In patients who showed successful maxillary skeletal expansion, the linear distances of maxillary widths were measured on cone-beam-computed-tomography images at T1 and after MARPE (T2), and factors associated with the amount of expansion were analyzed. In total, 41 of the 53 patients showed successful maxillary expansion. Age (p = 0.019), sex (p = 0.002), and A-N perp (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with the success of MARPE. The factors associated with the amount of maxillary skeletal expansion were SN-MP and midpalatal-suture density at T1. In conclusion, there is a greater chance of failure in male patients who are older and have maxillary retrusion. A greater amount of maxillary expansion can be expected in patients with a higher mandibular-plane angle and with lower midpalatal-suture density.

Effectiveness of miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness and side effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARME) with conventional rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases. The quality of included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The primary outcome was the extent of dentoskeletal expansion achieved. Secondary outcomes were the dental and periodontal side effects. We calculated summary weighted mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Six RCTs involving 287 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared to conventional RME, MARME was associated with a greater palatal suture opening (mm) measured at the anterior nasal spine (MD = 1.21, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.66), first premolars (MD = 1.13, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.55), first molars (MD = 1.18, 95% CI 0.28 to 2.09), and posterior nasal spine (MD = 1.14, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.98), increased palatal width (mm) at the first molars (MD = 0.75, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.20), and reduced buccal inclination (degrees) of the first premolars (MD =  - 6.06, 95% CI - 10.36 to - 1.76) and first molars (MD =  - 3.17, 95% CI - 5.35 to - 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

MARME is associated with the following advantages over traditional tooth-borne RME: increased palatal suture opening, increased palatal width, and reduced buccal tooth inclination.

REGISTRATION

This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021256750.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MARME may be preferred over conventional RME in cases with fused mid-palatal sutures or where further buccal tooth inclination is undesirable.

MARPE as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment

Introduction:

Miniscrew or microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) devices are used to achieve a skeletal expansion of the palate and to increase the arch perimeter.

Objective:

To describe the treatment of a 23-year-old woman with an Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion with constricted maxillary and mandibular arches.

Case report:

The patient’s main complaint was mandibular anterior crowding. The treatment plan included expansion of the mandibular arch concurrent with maxillary expansion, using a MARPE appliance in combination with a full-fixed appliance to align and level the crowded mandibular teeth, along with miniscrews as anchorage for the maxillary teeth and for distalization of the molars and premolars. A successful non-extraction orthodontic treatment was accomplished after 28 months, and the occlusion and teeth alignment, as well as facial goals, were resolved in a clinically satisfactory manner.

Conclusion:

The treatment objectives were met, and the outcome of the expansion of the maxillary arch with a MARPE appliance as an adjunct to a fixed appliance was considered a success. An esthetic, functional, and stable result after a 1-year follow-up was achieved and was satisfactory to the patient.

Efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults with the Dutch Maxillary Expansion Device: a prospective clinical cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To provide a higher degree of evidence on the efficacy of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in late adolescents and adults, thereby applying the Dutch Maxillary Expansion Device (D-MED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

D-MED was developed as an individualized, 3D-designed, and fabricated MARPE appliance supported by 4 palatal miniscrews. Patients from the age of 16 onwards with transverse maxillary deficiency were enrolled consecutively. Pre-expansion and immediate post-expansion CBCTs and intra-oral scans were acquired and measurements of skeletal, alveolar, and dental expansion as well as dental and periodontal side-effects were performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were enrolled (8 men, 26 women) with mean age 27.0 ± 9.4 years. A success rate of 94.1% was achieved (32/34 patients). The mean expansion duration, or mean observation time, was 31.7 ± 8.0 days. The mean expansion at the maxillary first molars (M1) and first premolars (P1) was 6.56 ± 1.70 mm and 4.19 ± 1.29 mm, respectively. The expansion was 60.4 ± 20.1% skeletal, 8.1 ± 27.6% alveolar, and 31.6 ± 20.1% dental at M1 and 92.2 ± 14.5% skeletal, 0.0 ± 18.6% alveolar, and 7.8 ± 17.7% dental at P1, which was both statistically (p < 0.001) and clinically significant. Buccal dental tipping (3.88 ± 3.92° M1; 2.29 ± 3.89° P1), clinical crown height increase (0.12 ± 0.31 mm M1; 0.04 ± 0.22 mm P1), and buccal bone thinning (- 0.31 ± 0.49 mm M1; - 0.01 ± 0.45 mm P1) were observed, while root resorption could not be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

MARPE by application of D-MED manifested its efficacy in a prospective clinical setting, delivering a high amount of skeletal expansion with limited side-effects in late adolescents and adults.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Higher quality evidence is supportive of MARPE as a safe and successful non-surgical treatment option for transverse maxillary deficiency.