Work

Evaluation of the density of the midpalatal suture after maxillary expansion: a comparative observational study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) groups on midpalatal suture (MPS). METHODS: CBCT records who underwent RME and SARME between 2013 and 2024 were included in the study. CBCT axial sections taken preoperatively (T0) and after a 3-month retention period (T1) were evaluated using the MPS. Fractal Analysis (FA) method using the ImageJ program and compared between the groups. RESULTS: 9 patients underwent SARME (%37.5) and 15 patients underwent RME (%62.5). FA values of the SARME and RME groups at T0 were found to be 1.02 ± 1.17 and 1.46 ± 0.09, respectively. FA values of the SARME and RME groups at T1 were found to be 0.98 ± 1.08 and 1.32 ± 0.08, respectively. The difference between T1 and T0 in the SARME and RME groups was 0.02 ± 0.09 and 0.34 ± 0.08, respectively. When FA differences were compared between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found. (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION: The potential effect of increasing retention time on the clinical recovery process has been clarified. In patients who underwent RME and SARME, after 3 months of retention, MPS density decreased compared to the initial density. The findings suggest that increasing the retention time in both RME and SARME groups for increased ossification. FA provides a useful method for evaluating skeletal effects of RME and SARME.

Source: Head & Face Medicine

DOI: 10.1186/s13005-025-00508-7