Effect of Maxillary Expansion on Craniofacial Growth and Development in Rats
1992 Volume 55 Issue 5 Pages 466-481
Details
1992 Volume 55 Issue 5 Pages 466-481
The purpose of this study was to investigate morphometrical and histological changes in craniofacial growth after maxillary expansion. A total of 135 four-week old male Wistar rats were used in this experiment. Lateral expansion was applied to the maxillary incisors by a stainless helical loop that was activated for one week and then removed. The experimental animals were killed at 5, 8, 11 and 14 weeks of age and the skulls were resected. Morphological measurements and microscopic as well as microradiographic observation were carried out.
The results were as follows :
1. Lateral maxillary expansion extended the midpalatal suture.
2. Maxillary expansion affected not only the midpalatal suture, but also the sutures of the craniofacial complex.
3. Skull width after removal of the appliance was greater in the experimental animals than in the controls.
4. However, the skull height and length after removal of the appliance were smaller in the experimental group.
These results indicate that maxillary expansion creates changes in the direction of craniofacial growth.
