Efficiency of Two Maxillary Expanders for Maxillary Arch Expansion in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Efficiency of a New Versatile Three-Way Maxillary Expander Versus Modified Fan Expander for Maxillary Arch Expansion in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare between Fan expander with palatal springs appliance vs three-way expander regarding the their effectiveness in maxillary expansion in patients with bilateral cleft

The study provides three-dimensional expansion for cleft lip and palate patients. Patients with repaired cleft lip and/or palate have maxillary deficiency and hypoplasia in the three planes of space. Most cases have a normal buccolingual occlusal relation in the molar region between upper and lower jaws, while they manifest arch constriction at the anterior inter-canine width area as well as premaxillary collapse and anterior crossbite. Conventional expansion appliances address only the transverse discrepancy requiring a further step to re-align the premaxilla. So, the aim of the study is to compare the efficiency and the effects of the new design of the three-way palatal expander and the modified fan expander in maxillary arch development in cleft lip and palate patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with age ranging from 8 to 15 years old.
• Patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate.
• Patients with repaired cleft lip and / or palate.
• Patients with fully erupted upper permanent 1st molars.
• Patients in the late mixed or early permanent dentition with tapered maxillary arch, requiring palatal expansion as part of their treatment.
• Patient's stage of cervical vertebral maturation before or at the growth spurt (CS1-CS4).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with syndromic cleft lip and palate.
• Patients with very bad oral hygiene and active periodontal disease.
• Vulnerable groups