As an orthodontist, you are probably familiar with transverse maxillary deficiency. This malocclusion sign is relatively frequent and presents bilateral or unilateral posterior crossbite symptoms. To show you how common transverse maxillary deficiency is, researchers have found its symptom—posterior crossbites—in percentages as high as 8% to 22% in varying age groups and populations.
Maxillary Skeletal Expansion, a process that widens the upper jaw — also known as the maxilla — is the most common way of addressing transverse maxillary deficiency. More people seem to be requesting this procedure, especially in western countries (Europe) and the Middle East.
Now, the big question is, why is this happening? Below, we will explain why the demand for maxillary skeletal expansion is rising.
5 Reasons More People Are Requesting Maxillary Skeletal Expansion
1. To Improve Respiratory Function
Research studies have shown that expanding a constricted maxilla can improve respiratory function. The most recent study analyzing this benefit was conducted in 2019.
In the study, the researchers used a para-athlete to analyze the effects of maxillary skeletal expansion on various respiratory functions. In addition, the scientists analyzed the para-athlete's swimming performance and compared them with those before the skeletal expansion procedure.
After the expansion procedure, the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images indicated that the maxilla expansion was 5.91 mm at the suture. This expansion increased the pharyngeal and nasal airways by 31 percent in volume. In addition, all respiratory indices improved after the maxillary skeletal expansion.
2. To Eliminate Overcrowding
Upper dental overcrowding is the most common form of malocclusion. For example, in a research study conducted in 2009, the researchers studied a group of Lithuanian schoolchildren aged between 7 and 15 years. In the study involving 1,681 schoolchildren, 44.1% had upper dental arch crowding.
Luckily, however, expanding the maxilla early enough can solve the upper jaw overcrowding problem. This is because the maxilla skeletal expansion opens the suture to expand the upper jaw, creating more room for teeth.
3. To Improve Teeth Cleaning
Most people visit the orthodontist's office to improve the appearance of their smile. However, improving the smile is challenging when one cannot clean them properly.
Cleaning teeth is generally too complicated if teeth overlap—which is extremely common in people with overcrowded teeth. In addition, fitting a floss between overlapping teeth is extremely hard—and in cases where one can fit the floss, it is still possible to miss plaque in tight angles.
The plaque left behind can cause dental problems. For example, a research paper published in 2018 noted that crowded teeth make oral hygiene harder. Another study conducted one year later (in 2019) showed that teeth crowding increases the risk of dental caries while anterior and open bite increases the risk of gingivitis.
The 2019 study concluded that its findings justified the recommendations for orthodontic treatment to boost oral health. Therefore, introducing an MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) Starter Kit early enough in a person's life can quickly fix the overcrowding, allowing more effective dental cleaning and reducing the risk of oral health problems.
4. To Fight Sleep Apnea and Snoring
A constricted upper jaw is one of the leading reasons for snoring and sleep apnea. Research studies, however, have shown that investing in maxillary skeletal expansion can solve this problem.
A research study published in 2020 analyzed the effectiveness of using rapid maxillary expansion to fix obstructive sleep apnea among kids. The researchers independently and systematically reviewed articles from the decade between 2009 and 2019.
The study concluded that rapid maxillary expansion improved the symptoms of sleep apnea. In addition, the researchers noted that the apnea-hypopnea index enhanced to 73% in kids with obstructive apnea after just three years of follow-up. After more than three years of follow-up, the apnea-hypopnea index rose to over 77%.
Another study conducted in 2015 analyzed the effect of rapid maxillary expansion on sleep and snoring in kids. The study used 12 children between 4 and 11 years of age who had bruxism and snoring as their sleep troubles. The researchers concluded that rapid maxillary expansion effectively treated snoring and bruxism in the kids.
These studies suggest that combining OrthoApnea and MSE may improve sleep in people with a constricted upper jaw.
5. To Correct Crossbite
Research shows that crossbiting prevalence sits between 6.8% and 38.4%. While crossbite may seem like something that should not be a source of concern, this is not the case. Over time, crossbite causes teeth sensitivity and uneven enamel wear. Luckily, research supports that crossbites can be quickly fixed by expanding the maxilla.
A research study published in 2011 analyzed the effects of maxillary skeletal expansion on crossbite. After conducting a systematic review of randomized clinical trials over 12 years, the researchers concluded that the maxilla expansion fixed the posterior crossbite.
A research study conducted in 2016 analyzed the effectiveness of maxillary expansion in correcting maxillary crossbite. The researchers used a boy aged eight as the study subject. The study concluded that maxilla expansion fixed the crossbite, and no relapse was found three years post-treatment.
Another research study conducted in 2020 analyzed the effectiveness of using U-MARPE (Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) in treating crossbites. The research study used a 19-year-old with crossbite problems. After using the maxilla expansion, the issue was 100% fixed, allowing the study subject to achieve a perfect overjet and overbite.
These two research studies suggest that using a Forestandent Snap-Lock Expander may help patients fix their crossbite permanently.
Overview
Upper jaw expansion—palatal or maxilla expansion—is an orthodontic treatment that effectively corrects many oral issues, including breathing problems, snoring, sleep apnoea, tooth overcrowding, poor oral hygiene, and teeth misalignment. As more people learn about the benefits of this non-surgical yet effective procedure, its demand is increasing.
This solution, however, produces the most benefits on younger individuals—that is, whose jaws haven't finished forming. So, in the future, orthodontists should expect to meet more parents seeking to help their kids create enough room for their teeth to grow without overcrowding.
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