Maxillary and Mandibular Arch Response to RME: a Multicentric Randomized Controlled Trial

Dental Arches Response to Haas-type RME Anchored to Deciduous vs Permanent Molars in Children With Unilateral Posterior Crossbite

Posterior crossbite is a common clinical condition often associated with transverse maxillary deficiency and functional mandibular shift. This frequent malocclusion is not self-correcting and can lead to the development of craniofacial asymmetries and mandibular dysfunction.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate maxillary and mandibular arch widths' response to RME when it is anchored to the upper second deciduous molars or to the upper first permanent molars and to create a decision-making protocol for RME therapy in mixed-dentition patients.

The effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the maxillary complex have been highly investigated,4 reporting a maximum maxillary intermolar and intercanine width increase of 6.7 mm and 5.3 mm,5 respectively, when RME is banded on upper first permanent molars.

Literature also reported cases of periodontal and endodontic damage on RME anchoring teeth; therefore, some authors have suggested banding RME on primary teeth and reporting also different mean intermolar (3.6-4.1 mm) and intercanine width increases (5-5.9 mm).

Few studies have investigated the changes in molar dental tipping and inclinations (on average from 3° up to 16.7°) following RME but comprised difficult (ie, barium sulfate solution) and more invasive examinations such as computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) Few articles concerning the indirect effects on mandibular arch following RME reported a low but statistically significant increase of lower intermolar (0.66-0.97 mm) and intercanine width (0.9 mm). Since no studies in the literature have analyzed the differences in permanent vs primary molars as anchoring teeth for RME, the decision to band the permanent deciduous molars did not follow a clinical protocol, but an individual decision was made for each patient based on clinician experience.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients in mixed dentition
• Unilateral posterior crossbite at least of the first permanent molar
• Upper deciduous second molars available as RME anchoring teeth

Exclusion Criteria:

Primary exclusion criteria

• Previous orthodontic treatment
• Hypodontia in any quadrant excluding third molars
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Secondary exclusion criteria
• Lack of records
• Need for lingual arch
• Lack of consensus
• Need for other orthodontic treatment during rapid maxillary expansion