The Immediately After Craniofacial and Periodontal Responses to Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions- Constrictions in Growing Period: A Single Center Prospective Comparative Study

Background/Objectives: This study assessed immediately after response of alternate rapid maxillary expan-sions-constrictions with 2-hinged expander on craniofacial structures, supporting teeth periodontium in Class III malocclusion with maxillary retrusion. Materials and Methods: Treatment group consisted of 15 growing patients with Class III malocclusion, 6 girls 9 boys mean ages 12.60 and 13.10 years respectively, who were treated with 2-hinged expander/Alt-RAMEC; Control group consisted of untreated Class III malocclusion of 27 patients with, 7 girls 20 boys mean ages of 12.50 and 12.60 years respectively in Department of Orthodontics of the Ankara University. The 2-hinged expander screw was daily four times opened the first week and closed second week. These recurrent series were completed with expansion in the 9th week. Craniofacial structures and periodontal status were evaluated at the end of Alt-RAMEC. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 20 package program. Groups were compared with the Mann Whitney U test. Intra group differences were analyzed by Wilcoxon test at T1-T2. Results: Maxilla moved forward 2.56 mm. Wits appraisal and vertical dimension was increased. Positive changes occurred in the facial profile by forward movement of the maxilla in Alt-RAMEC group. Gingival index, bleeding index and periodontal pocket depth of supporting teeth showed significant increase while plaque index unchanged. Conclusion: Satisfactory forward movement of the maxilla was achieved just after the combined use of the Alt-RAMEC protocol and the 2-hinge expander. An inflammatory reaction was detected in the periodontium of the supporting teeth where the 2-hinged expanders were placed.