Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on masticatory and swallowing functions in children with posterior crossbite()

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the influence of posterior crossbite on masticatory and swallowing functions by videofluoroscopy examination and to analyze the effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) on the same functions. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 32 children, 21 of them with posterior crossbite (10 girls and 11 boys, mean age 9.2 years, study group) and 11 children with no occlusal changes (6 girls and 5 boys, mean age 9.3 years, control group). The children were evaluated by an orthodontist for diagnosis, group characterization and occlusal treatment, by the otorhinolaryngology team for the assessment of respiratory symptoms, and by a speech therapist for videofluoroscopic evaluation of masticatory and swallowing parameters. The children with posterior crossbite were treated orthodontic ally using the Haas disjunctor for approximately six months and re-evaluated 5-months after removal of the appliance. Data were analyzed statistically by the Studentt-test for independent samples for comparison of the crossbite and control groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in oral preparatory and oral transit times, nor in cycles and masticatory frequency, between the pre and post orthodontic treatment groups and the control group. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion did not influence the masticatory and swallowing variables studied by videofluoroscopy. However, the data require caution in interpretation.