Evaluation of symmetry behavior of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion with simulation-driven targeted bone weakening

OBJECTIVES: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a treatment modality to overcome maxillary constrictions. During the procedure of transverse expansion, unwanted asymmetries can occur. This retrospective study investigates the transverse expansion behavior of the maxilla utilizing a simulation-driven SARME with targeted bone weakening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone beam computer tomographies of 21 patients before (T1) and 4 months after treatment (T2) with simulation-driven SARME combined with a transpalatal distractor (TPD) and targeted bone weakening were superimposed. The movements of the left, right, and frontal segments were evaluated at the modified WALA ridge, mid root level, and at the root tip of all upper teeth. Linear and angular measurements were performed to detect dentoalveolar changes. RESULTS: Dentoalveolar changes were unavoidable, and buccal tipping of the premolars (6.1° ± 5.0°) was significant (p < 0.05). Transverse expansion in premolar region was higher (6.13 ± 4.63mm) than that in the molar region (4.20 ± 4.64mm). Expansion of left and right segments did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Simulation-driven SARME with targeted bone weakening is effective to achieve symmetrical expansion in the transverse plane. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Simulation-driven targeted bone weakening is a novel method for SARME to achieve symmetric expansion. Dental side effects cannot be prohibited.