EFFECTS OF RAPID MAXILLARY EXPANSION ON FACIAL SOFT TISSUES IN UNILATERAL POSTERIOR CROSSBITE PATIENTS

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted evaluating the maxillary changes following Rapid maxillary expansion but few have evaluated the changes associated with facial soft tissue following maxillary expansion. Although the expansion takes place in the maxillary arch, there are changes in mandibular dimension as well as in the facial soft tissues. Therefore, this study was done to examine the mean changes in soft tissues measurements with rapid maxillary expansion for management of unilateral posterior cross bite.

This Quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore for 6 months i.e. 30th July 2019 to 29th January 2020. Children of age 10- 15 years of either gender presenting with unilateral posterior cross bite with angle Class I or Class II malocclusion were recruited in the study by using non-probability consecutive sampling. All palatal expanders (Hyrax- bonded) were fabricated, cemented and activated bilaterally, according to the protocol. Holdaway soft tissues assessment was applied to examine the changes in soft tissues on lateral cephalograms. Soft tissues facial angles, skeletal profile convexity, nose prominence and H angle were assessed after 3 weeks by using lateral cephalogram and change in these values were calculated.

The mean change in soft tissue facial angle was 1.15 ± 0.48o, mean nose prominence was 0.11 ± 0.06 mm, skeletal profile convexity was 0.57 ± 0.15 mm and H angle was 1.79 ± 0.2o. Thus the rapid maxillary expansion can be used routinely for management of posterior cross bite but it affects the facial soft tissues. Hence its effects should always be taken into consideration in order to achieve good functional and esthetic results.