Two-Dimensional Assessment of Morphological Changes of Maxilla Induced by Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A New Method

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to introduce a new technique for the evaluation of transverse and vertical changes in the palate, induced by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Using barium sulfate solution with a paintbrush, a thin line was drawn on and between the first molars of the maxillary stone casts. Then, radiographic images of the stone casts were obtained. Transverse and vertical changes in palate were evaluated on these images by means of a computerized imaging software program. This new evaluation technique is inexpensive, simple and reliable for visualizing and evaluating the amount of transverse expansion and vertical depth of the palate.

Keywords:

• Rapid maxillary expansion
• palate
• skeletal
• dentoalveolar
• palatal depth
• barium sulfate
• radiography