A comparison of the effects of hard and soft tissues in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with by two different appliances that tooth-borne and bone-borne using 3-dimensional digital modeling and facial imaging system

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of hard and soft tissues in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with by two different appliances that tooth-borne and bone-borne using 3-dimensional digital modeling and facial imaging system. Material and Method: The patients with skeletal transversal discrepancy between 15- 25 years of age included to our study. The patient groups are identified and by the utilization of power analysis, it is determined that 34 total patients in groups of 17 patients will be required. The study sample was divided to two groups. The patients in the first group applied tooth-borne appliance. The patients in the second group applied bone-borne appliance. For each patient, three dimensional images were obtained before treatment (T1) and at the end of the three-month retention period (T2) with 3dMD system. Linear, angular and volumetric analysis were made on the patients' three dimensional photographs. This study involves 3-dimensional digital models of patients. On the digital model, the distance between two points and the inclination angles were evaluated. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. Comparisons within the groups were carried out with Paired t test and comparisons among the groups with a student t-test. Results: In 3dMD data; although we found siginificant changes in different variances in the groups, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Statistical analysis with 3Shape showed significant differences in premolars and first molar width and inclination angles in tooth-borne appliances group. Conclusions: Maxillary expansion was carried out successfully with both groups. There was no significant difference in the effect of appliances on facial soft tissues. However, dental expansion and consequently tipping was more common in the tooth-borne appliance group. Keywords: Bone-borne, Corticotomy, Tooth-borne, 3dMD, 3Shape