Evaluation of Two Different Rapid Maxillary Expansion Surgical Techniques and Their Effects on the Malar Complex Based on 3D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

We compared and evaluated the effects of two techniques used for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) using three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography, focusing on changes in soft and hard tissue in the malar region. A conventional Le Fort I osteotomy group (10 patients, mean age: 19.3 years) and a high Le Fort I group (12 patients, mean age: 20.4 years) underwent 3D analyses. Changes in hard and soft tissue of the malar region were compared. The average increases in the bone malar width and soft malar width in the high Le Fort I group between the pre- and postoperative periods were 1.43 +/- 1.23 and 1.39 +/- 1.19 mm, respectively. The average increases in the bone malar depth on the right and left sides in the high Le Fort I group were 1.34 +/- 0.81 and 1.60 +/- 0.54 mm, respectively. Progress in hard tissues did not reflect significant changes in soft tissue. Context: Effects of high Le Fort I SARME on the malar complex. Aims: To compare and evaluate the effects of two techniques used for SARME, using 3D cone-beam computed tomography, focusing on changes in hard and soft tissues in the malar region. Settings and Design: A conventional Le Fort I osteotomy group (10 patients, mean age: 19.3 years) and a high Le Fort I group (12 patients, mean age: 20.4 years). Methods and Material: Each group underwent 3D analyses, and changes in hard and soft tissues of the malar region were compared. Statistical Analysis Used: The SPSS software (ver. 15.0 for Windows) was used. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t test, and paired-samples test were conducted. Results: The average increases in the bone malar width and soft malar width in the high Le Fort I group between the pre- and postoperative periods were 1.43 +/- 1.23 and 1.39 +/- 1.19 mm, respectively. The average increases in the bone malar depth on the right and left sides in the high Le Fort I group were 1.34 +/- 0.81 and 1.60 +/- 0.54 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Progress in hard tissues did not reflect significant changes in soft tissue.