Effect of maxillary expansion on craniofacial growth and development in rats

Abstract

I investigated 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 steel 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 observations were carried out. Maxillary expansion affected not only the midpalatal suture, but also the sutures of the craniofacial complex. These results indicate that maxillary expansion creates changes in the direction of cranifofacial growth.