Rapid maxillary expansion outcomes according to midpalatal suture maturation levels

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the relationship between skeletal and dental outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images between pre-pubertal peak (pre-peak) and post-pubertal peak (post-peak) patients. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the outcomes of RME treatment between the groups. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who underwent RME treatment were classified according to midpalatal suture maturation levels and then divided into two groups as pre-peak and post-peak. Skeletal and dental measurements were performed on the CBCT images at T0 (pre-treatment stage) and at T1 (post-treatment stage). Paired sample t test was used to evaluate normally distributed data and P < 0.05 was taken as the significance level. RESULTS: There were significant differences between T0 and T1 within the groups, but the changes between the pre-peak and post-peak patient groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Non-significant changes were found between the two groups, and the null hypothesis was excepted.