Changes in mandibular transversal arch dimensions after rapid maxillary expansion procedure assessed through cone-beam computed tomography

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the changes in mandibular arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of mandibular posterior teeth after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Methods: Baseline and post-expansion cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of patients who initially had bilateral posterior cross-bite and underwent RME with a banded-type expander were assessed in this study. The patients included 9 boys (mean age: 13.97 +/- 1.17 years) and 11 girls (mean age: 13.53 +/- 2.12 years). Images obtained 6 months after retention were available for 10 of these patients. Eighteen angular and 43 linear measurements were performed for the maxilla and mandible. The measurements were performed on frontally clipped images at the following time points; before expansion (T1), after expansion (T2), and after retention (T3). Statistical significance was assessed with paired sample t-test at p < 0.05. Results: T1-T2 comparisons showed statistically significant post-RME increases for all measurements; similarly, T2-T1 and T3-T1 comparisons showed statistically significant changes. The maxillary linear and angular measurements showed decreases after expansion, and mandibular linear and angular measurements increased after retention. Conclusion: All mandibular arch widths increased and mandibular posterior teeth were uprighted after RME procedure. (Korean J Orthod 2011;41(3)200-210)