Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is widely recognized in the literature as a fundamental component of the orthopedic management of Class III malocclusion. Its primary objective is to facilitate maxillary protraction and establish a more favorable skeletal relationship between the maxilla and mandible. Various types of palatal expanders are available, and these devices can be effectively combined with other treatment modalities. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the benefits of using palatal expanders in Class III patients, with a particular focus on comparing the most commonly adopted techniques. A structured literature search was performed in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases using the descriptors “Palatal Expansion Technique,” “Class III,” and “Orthodontics,” combined with the Boolean operator “AND.” Only articles published in English were included. The reviewed studies indicate that palatal expansion remains a valuable therapeutic approach for Class III malocclusion, with its effectiveness enhanced when combined with complementary techniques such as facemasks or skeletal anchorage (e.g., mini-implants), particularly during early growth phases. Consistent improvements in skeletal structure and occlusion were reported. Palatal expansion corrects maxillary constriction and improves the maxillo-mandibular relationship. Additionally, it provides functional benefits for respiration, phonation, and mastication, as well as significant aesthetic and psychological advantages.
Authors: Vivianny Sales Araújo, Rachel Brazuna Solidônio, Francisbênia Alves Silvestre, Ana Letícia Daniel Fontenele, Ana Carolina Lima Moreira, Nicole Escórcio de Meneses, Isaac Augusto Dantas Nogueira, Hana Arielle Oliveira Pereira, Elizon Sampaio Coelho Junior, Raniel Fernandes Peixoto
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414980307
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