Introduction: Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances utilize the skeletal anchorage to expand the maxilla. One type of MARPE device is the Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE), which presents four micro-implants with bicortical engagement of the palatal vault and nasal floor. MSE positioning is traditionally planned using dental stone models and 2D headfilms. This approach presents some critical issues, such as the inability to identify the MSE position relative to skeletal structures, and the potential risk of damaging anatomical structures. Methods: A novel methodology has been developed to plan MSE position using the digital model of dental arches and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A virtual model of MSE appliance with the four micro-implants was created. After virtual planning, a positioning guide is virtually designed, 3D printed, and utilized to model and weld the MSE supporting arms to the molar bands. The expansion device is then cemented in the patient oral cavity and micro-implants inserted. A clinical case of a 12.9-year-old female patient presenting a Class III malocclusion with transverse and sagittal maxillary deficiency is reported. Results: The midpalatal suture was opened with a split of 3.06 mm and 2.8 mm at the anterior and posterior nasal spine, respectively. After facemask therapy, the sagittal skeletal relationship was improved, as shown by the increase in ANB, A-Na perpendicular and Wits cephalometric parameters, and the mandibular plane rotated 1.6°clockwise. Conclusion: The proposed digital methodology represents an advancement in the planning of MSE positioning, compared to the traditional approach. By evaluating the bone morphology of the palate and midface on patient CBCT, the placement of MSE is improved regarding the biomechanics of maxillary expansion and the bone thickness at micro-implants insertion sites. In the present case report, the digital planning was associated with a positive outcome of maxillary expansion and protraction in safety conditions.
The miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion approach has given new opportunities for the treatment of maxilla transverse deficiency by providing an alternative to the surgical approach for adult patients. However, the presence of a thin palatal bone can compromise the success of such approach. Recently, the digital planning of the miniscrew-assisted appliances has offered unique advantages in terms of safety and accuracy of the overall process. The aim of this study is to describe the digital planning and MSE fabrication with cad-cam technology using 6 mini-screws in cases with a palatal bone thickness of less than 2.5 mm.
The introduction of digital workflows and their combination with miniscrew assisted appliances has opened new and enthusiastic perspectives in modern orthodontics. However, in all digital workflows currently in use for orthodontic tooth movement, the miniscrews are inserted first in the maxillary bone, often by means of a surgical guide, and then the appliance is fabricated and secured over the miniscrews with different fixation mechanisms. By doing so, some adaptation problems can be encountered while securing the appliance over the miniscrews, and the chairside time required can therefore be significant. In the present study, we introduce a digital workflow for the design and fabrication of a new appliance, customized on the individual morphology of maxillary bone by using patient Cone Beam Computed Tomography CBCT, for sagittal and vertical orthodontic tooth movement (DIVA, divergent anchors). Differently from the existing protocols, the appliance is cemented first intraorally, serving as a surgical guide for the subsequent insertion of miniscrews. In this way, the adaptation problems are avoided and the chair-side time is reduced.
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