Rapid maxillary expander vs Planas expansion plates

Abstract

One of the most frequent issues in orthodontics is the contraction of the maxilla, sometimes associated with unilateral or bilateral cross-bite. Correcting the transverse diameters of the maxillary arch can be achieved through various devices, both orthopedic and orthodontic. One of the main limitations of orthodontic devices is the risk of resolving transverse discrepancies solely through dental tipping, with an associated risk of relapse post-treatment.

The aim of this study is to compare the millimetric expansion obtained with an orthopedic device (RME) and an orthodontic device (Planas plates), while also assessing whether this expansion is associated with bodily movement of the dental elements or tipping.

To this end, 37 patients in mixed dentition were selected and divided into two groups: Group I, consisting of 19 subjects treated with Planas plates, and Group II, consisting of 18 subjects treated with RME.

Each patient was scanned at T0 (pre-treatment) and T1 (post-treatment). Distances between the first molars, first premolars (or first deciduous molars), and upper canines were measured at the occlusal, marginal, and alveolar levels. The differences between T1 and T0 were considered significant using the Student's t-test with p < 0.05.

The results show that both devices provide a bodily expansion of the middle and posterior sectors. RME is more effective in terms of millimetric transverse expansion, with bodily movement of molars, premolars, and canines. The Planas plates provide satisfactory millimetric expansions with bodily expansion mainly at the molar level.