Maxillary expansion therapy in children with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate orthodontic treatment with maxillary expanders (MEs) in a group of Down syndrome (DS) children while also analyzing the rate of activation of the appliance, the complications during the expansion phase, and the expansion outcomes.

METHODS

Thirty-two DS children underwent ME treatment. Sixty-four controls matched for age, sex, and type of ME were selected. The variables analyzed were previous dental treatment, orthodontic diagnosis, and ME treatment.

RESULTS

Slow activation of the ME was used in 28% of the DS patients vs 9% of controls (P > .03). Complications during expansion occurred in 10 DS patients (31%) but in none of the controls (P < .001). The most common complication was the appearance of oral ulcers. At the end of the expansion, the results were considered to be clinically successful in 21 DS patients (66%) and in 50 controls (78%).

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary expansion can be undertaken in DS children and is successful in a high proportion of cases if correct case selection has been performed. These patients, however, may require a slow activation of the appliance during the expansion phase and are more susceptible to the appearance of oral ulceration, which can affect the course of treatment.