Comparison of effects of different rapid maxillary expansion applications

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects on the skeletal, dentoalveolar and dental structures caused by conventional RME, surgically assisted RME and mini-screw supported RME on postero-anterior, lateral cephalometric films and dental casts to compare the results. Materials and Methods: 40 patients with similar transverse maxillary deficiency were divided into 3 groups as SARME for 13 person (mean age = 18 years 9 months), miniscrew supported RME for 12 persons (mean age = 15 years 7 months), and bonded RME for 15 persons (mean age = 11 years 9 months). Posteroanterior, lateral cephalometric film and dental casts were taken from each patient before expansion and and at the end of the 3-month retention to evaluate the effects of treatment. Paired t test was used to evaluate the treatment effects within the group. Comparison between groups was evaluated by ANOVA. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the results of the intergroup comparison results of posteroanterior film measurements and molar tipping amounts. In the comparison of lateral cephalometric film measurements between groups, the nasolabial angle showed a statistically significant increase in the SARME. There was a statistically significant decrease in the distance of the lower lip to the E plane in the miniscrew assisted RME group. There was no statistically significant difference in the comparisons in other measurements. Conclusion: Miniscrew supported RME used in the treatment of adolescents with maxillary deficiency showed similar effects with surgical assisted RME and bonded RME patients with continued growth development.