Skeletal Effects After Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion on Sagittal and Vertical Dimensions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the skeletal impact of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in sagittal and vertical planes. We aimed to clarify how this treatment affects the jaw structure of late adolescent and adult patients.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases for relevant literature. Study selection, quality appraisal, and data retrieval were completed by two authors independently. Quantitative data synthesis and heterogeneity assessments were executed using a random-effects model within the Review Manager 5.4 software environment.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included, seven of which provided data for the meta-analysis. Regarding sagittal outcomes, MARPE led to significant increments in SNA (mean: 0.79°; 95% CI: 0.08-1.5; P = .03) and ANB (mean: 1.18°; 95% CI: 0.49-1.87; P = .0008). In contrast, the vertical dimensions remained relatively stable, with SN-MP (1.28°; P = .10) and MP-FH (1.09°; P = .44) failing to reach statistical significance. No substantial deviations were identified across any other parameters evaluated in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis demonstrated that while MARPE treatment produces statistically significant sagittal skeletal changes, the magnitude of these changes is relatively small, suggesting a clinically modest impact on maxillary retrusion and mandibular protrusion. However, the limited availability of data hinders a conclusive determination of its impact on vertical dimensions. Resolving this issue requires high-quality prospective longitudinal trials with larger cohorts.