Midpalatal Suture Density as a Function of Sex and Growth-Pattern-Related Variability via CBCT Evaluations of 392 Adolescents Treated with a Rapid Maxillary Expander Appliance

Abstract

Background and objectives. This paper aimed to evaluate the changes in mean bone density values of the midpalatal suture (MPS) in 392 young patients treated with a rapid palatal expander (RPE) appliance, depending on sex and vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. Materials and Methods. Evaluations were performed using a low-dose protocol for cone beam computed tomography scans at T0 (preoperative) and T1 (1 year after the beginning of the therapy). The region of interest was used to calculate bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) for the area between the maxillary incisors. Results. CBCT scan data of 196 females and 196 males (mean age of 11.7 years) showed homogeneous and similar density values of the MPS at T0 (550.17–563.70 HU) and T1 (541.92–553.85 HU). Class III skeletal individuals showed significantly higher BD than the Class II group at T0, but not at T1. Females showed significant and substantially higher BD than males at T0 and T1. No significant differences were found between the other groups and between the two time points in terms of the bone density values of the MPS. Conclusions. Females and the Class III group showed significantly higher bone density values than males and Class II, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found from T0 to T1 in any groups, suggesting that a similar rate of suture reorganization occurs after the use of an RPE, causing reorganization and bone deposition along the MPS.

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes via Three-Dimensional-Assisted Techniques Combined with Orthognathic Treatment: A Case Series Study of Skeletal Class III Malocclusions

“…The combination of CBCT scans with virtual setups also avoids potential root displacements outside the original bone structure. Therefore, in line with other studies, we observed the achievement of desired skeletal and aesthetic outcomes following orthognathic surgery associated with clear aligners [52,53].…”

Three-dimensional evaluation using CBCT of the mandibular asymmetry and the compensation mechanism in a growing patient: A case report

“…The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the development and the compensation mechanisms of the mandibular asymmetry in a growing male patient using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) after treatment with RPE and FR-3 ( 21 ).…”

“…Maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD or maxillary hypoplasia) is a common problem that affects the normal development of the maxillofacial complex. Therefore, early diagnosis and correction of MTD are essential to achieve a normal transverse skeletal relationship between the maxilla and mandible ( 21 ). There are three types of MPS disjunction: RPE (with dental support), miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) with skeletal support, and surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE).…”

“…The patient was instructed to look into their eyes in a mirror 1.5 m away to obtain NHP. The NHP is a physiological and reproducible posture defined for the morphological analysis described in the orthodontic and anthropological literature ( 21 ).…”

Elastodontic Appliances for the Interception of Malocclusion in Children: A Systematic Narrative Hybrid Review

“…Thanks to their design, the dental-craniofacial and cervical-postural systems, as well as the neuromuscular system, alveoli, TMJs (temporomandibular joint system), soft tissues, salivary glands, and mandibular and maxillary bases, are all reflected in the functional activity of EAs [21,25,42,[49][50][51][52][53][54].…”