Dentoalveolar changes after surgically assisted maxillary expansion: a three-dimensional evaluation

ObjectivesSurgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is a common procedure to correct maxillary transverse deficiency of >5 mm in patients with closed midpalatal suture. The aim of this study was to three-dimensionally analyze skeletal and dentoalveolar changes after SARPE.Study designEighteen mature patients (mean age 26 years) with a palatal transverse deficiency underwent SARPE. The surgical procedure consisted of a lateral osteotomy combined with an interradicular osteotomy between the roots of the upper central incisors. Measuring points were defined on teeth as well as facial skeleton. Computerized tomography scans were performed preoperatively and immediately after the expansion period.ResultsChanges of the dentoalveolar and maxillofacial complex were analyzed.ConclusionsBilateral osteotomy combined with a sagittal osteotomy between the roots of the upper central incisors is a safe method of surgically assisted maxillary expansion. The amount of dentoalveolar tipping was smaller than reported in literature. The expansion was mostly achieved by maxillary expansion.