Cone beam computed tomography evaluation after palatal expansion and orthodontics

BackgroundRapid palatal expansion (RPE) is accepted as a valid and effective method in the correction of different types of malocclusions. An understanding of the long-term effects of RPE to the buccal plate is critical.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare dentoalveolar changes, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, to the maxillary first premolars and permanent first molars from initial to more than 6 months in retention after comprehensive orthodontics where a hyrax tooth-borne expander was used.MethodsThe CBCTs on 14 patients were evaluated at three time points: before treatment, 3 months after palatal expansion, and more than 6 months in retention after comprehensive orthodontics.ResultsGreater tipping and greater crest height recession were observed at the first premolars. There was significant recovery of buccal plate thickness for both teeth after RPE and orthodontics.ConclusionsOne can expect significant recovery after active treatment, long term, after rapid palatal expansion. There were no clinical differences between the rapid and slow expansion groups.