Rapid maxillary expansion compared to surgery for assistance in maxillary face mask protraction.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the treatment outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) plus face mask (FM) and LeFort 1 osteotomy + FM during maxillary protraction.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study was carried on 34 patients all having maxillary retrognathic, anterior cross-bite, Class III skeletal and dental malocclusion characteristics and a concave profile. Eighteen patients with milder maxillary retrognathism were treated with RME + FM. Sixteen other patients with moderate to severe maxillary retrognathism were treated with an incomplete LeFort 1 osteotomy + FM therapy. Cephalometric data were evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

Significantly higher values of maxillary advancement and reduced treatment time were achieved with surgically assisted FM therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgically assisted FM treatment was more rapid and effective in maxillary protraction compared to the RME + FM treatment.