Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on the human craniofacial skeleton

Abstract

We studied the effect on the craniofacial skeleton of rapid expansion of the maxillary arch using resistance wire strain gauges to measure the maxillary expansion forces on a dried human skull with mixed dentition. We found that the expansion created significant forces in the craniofacial skeleton with the hightest stresses being in the sutures. We also rapidly expanded the maxillary arch of 8 patients to investigate movement in the maxillary lateral segment. We took measurements on posteroanterior cephalogrms, occlusal X-ray films and dental casts. We found the increment of expansion included buccal tipping of the lateral segment.