Comparison Between Two Rates of Activation of Miniscrew-Supported Upper Jaw Expander in Adolescents

Comparison Between Two Activation Protocols of Miniscrew-Supported Maxillary Expander in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Miniscrew-supported maxillary expanders provide advantages over conventional tooth-supported expanders. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding their activation protocol. The purpose of the clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the effects of slow and rapid activation rates of miniscrew-supported expanders on the skeletal changes, dento-alveolar changes and the pain experience.

Transverse maxillary deficiency is one of the problems that are commonly encountered in the orthodontic practice. Miniscrew-supported maxillary expansion represents a promising modality for the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency. However, controversies still exist regarding the activation protocol. One of these controversies is whether using a slow activation protocol would be more beneficial to the patients compared to a rapid activation protocol. Another question that consequently ensues is whether such activation protocol would result in less pain compared to the rapid activation protocol.

The null hypothesis of the current study is that there is no difference between slow and rapid activation protocols of miniscrew-supported expander.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Permanent dentition.
• Participants indicated for skeletal maxillary expansion due to unilateral or bilateral posterior cross bite or maxillary transverse deficiency
• Good oral hygiene

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of previous orthodontic or orthopedic treatment
• History of maxillary trauma
• Patients with congenital craniofacial malformations
• Patients receiving pharmacological agents or having systemic diseases that might affect the bone metabolism or the pain response