Cranial strains and malocclusion VIII: palatal expansion.

Current techniques for palatal expansion are reviewed. Pre-treatment asymmetry of the palate and maxillary arch is shown to be almost universal and is not randomly distributed. The use of a symmetrical expansion appliance does not necessarily result in a symmetrical arch. ALF appliances provide a means of achieving orthopedic, symmetrical expansion of the palate by using very light force. This is demonstrated in seven subjects. It is argued that rapid palatal expansion is an inappropriate, potentially iatrogenic procedure which no longer has a place in the orthodontic armamentarium.