PURPOSE

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is the most frequent orthopedic procedure in cleft subjects. However, little is known about its effects on the mandible. The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous response of the mandibular teeth following RME.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was carried out with a sample of thirty participants with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 8-15 years old, who had transverse maxillary deficiency. Two participants were excluded. They were allocated into three groups: G1 (n = 10), G2 (n = 10), and G3 (n = 8). G1 was treated with a Fan-type expander; G2 with an iMini expander; and G3 with a Hyrax expander. Measurements were performed in Cone Beam CT scans obtained before treatment (T1) and 3 months post-expansion (T2). The primary outcomes were buccolingual inclination of mandibular first molars and canines, and intercanine and intermolar width at different levels.

RESULTS

Dental changes were significant (P < 0.05) for intercanine width, increasing in G1 and G2, and for intermolar width, increasing in G2 and G3. There were no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RME in UCLP subjects performed with these expanders may lead to significant spontaneous changes in both anterior and posterior region of the mandible.