BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between the morphological maturation stages of the midpalatal suture and its bone densities.MethodsThe sample consisted of 91 subjects aged 8–18 years who underwent cone beam computed tomography. All images were examined to classify morphological maturation of the midpalatal suture to five groups according to Angelieri et al. Bone density of the midpalatal suture was measured at the maxillary and palatal regions. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the difference between groups.ResultsBone density of the midpalatal suture was significantly higher in the palatal region in E stage and in the maxillary region in D and E stages.ConclusionsIt is concluded that the change in bone density of the midpalatal suture between the morphological maturation stages supports their reliability in clinical application.

Aim:To determine if density measurements of the midpalatal suture and cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) are related, and to investigate if CVMI could help in predicting of the developmental status of the midpalatal suture. Materials and methods:Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 95 skeletal maxillary constriction patients (aged 8 to 18 years) were examined. The maturational stages of the cervical vertebrae were visually defined, and midpalatal suture density in the anterior region, the middle region, and the posterior region were measured. One-way ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) post-hoc test were used for statistical assessment.Results: Significant differences were found in MPDS: in anterior region between (c1,c2,c3,c4) and (c5,c6) stages, in middle region between (c1,c2,c3) and (c5,c6) stages, and in posterior region between (c1,c2,c3) and (c4,c5,c6) stages. Conclusion:Midpalatal suture densities in all regions increase with skeletal maturation advancement.The significant increase after puberty may have the key role in decreasing the skeletal effects of RME after that age. Clinical significances:It is important to assess the midpalatal suture density to choose between rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). This study revealed a significant increase in the midpalatal suture density after puberty. Thus, it may better to perform RME before puberty.

Objective. It is essential to be aware of the potential effects of orthodontic treatment on tissues and anatomical structures associated with the masticatory system, especially the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Little information is available about the consequences of molar distalization on the TMJ. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the changes of the condyle-fossa relationship after molar distalization using the distal jet appliance. Materials and Methods. The sample consisted of twenty-five patients (mean age 20.4 ± 2.6 ) who underwent molar distalization by the distal jet appliance. CBCT scans were taken before (T0) and after (T1) the completion of the molar distalization. Joint spaces (anterior, superior, and posterior) and cephalometric vertical angles (SN.GOME and Björk sum) were measured and compared at T0 and T1. Results. Superior and posterior joint spaces increased significantly after molar distalization (PS 0.29 mm, P < 0.001 , SS 0.06 mm, P < 0.5 ). Vertical cephalometric angles also increased after molar distalization by the distal jet appliance (SN.GOME 0.92°, Björk 1.11°). Conclusion. There was a statistically significant increase in the superior and posterior joint spaces after molar distalization. However, this increase may not be of clinical importance. The vertical dimension has also increased.