Surgical/Orthodontic Correction of Transverse Maxillary Discrepancies.

The transverse dimension is a critical component of comprehensive treatment in orthognathic surgery. Several treatment approaches exist and the team must consider the patient's needs, desires, and limitations when working to correct the malocclusion. Treatment approaches may include only orthodontic expansion or rapid palatal orthodontic expansion; however, in adults, the orthodontist may require surgical assistance to expand the bony maxilla. Segmental maxillary expansion may be indicated in severe transverse deficiencies of the maxillary arch or dentofacial deformity patients also requiring vertical and sagittal corrections. The various treatment options, advantages, and disadvantages, and indications for each surgical approach are discussed.