Effects of different rapid maxillary expansion appliances on facial soft tissues using three-dimensional imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To determine three-dimensional (3D) effects of three different rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances on facial soft tissues.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty-two children (18 boys, 24 girls) who required RME treatment were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups: banded RME, acrylic splint RME, and modified acrylic splint RME. For each patient, 3D images were obtained before treatment (T1) and at the end of the 3-month retention (T2) with the 3dMD system.

RESULTS

When three RME appliances were compared in terms of the effects on the facial soft tissues, there were no significant differences among them. The mouth and nasal width showed a significant increase in all groups. Although the effect of the acrylic splint RME appliances on total face height was less than that of the banded RME, there was no significant difference between the appliances. The effect of the modified acrylic splint appliance on the upper lip was significant according to the volumetric measurements (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences among three RME appliances on the facial soft tissues. The modified acrylic splint RME produced a more protrusive effect on the upper lip.