A photogrammetric technique for the analysis of palatal three-dimensional changes during rapid maxillary expansion.

The aim of this study was to assess, by a digital photogrammetric technique, the relative dimensional variations before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). The transverse diameters and the volumetric variations of the palate were measured by photogrammetry on study casts taken at three different phases of the therapy: at the beginning of treatment (T1); on removal of the rapid expander, after expansion and retention for three months (T2); and six months after appliance removal (T3). The sample consisted of 30 children, (age range 7- 8 years), all with a crossbite; 15 were angle Class I, six Class II and nine Class III. They were treated with an acrylic splint expander with two turns per day until the maxillary molar palatal cusps were in contact with the mandibular molar buccal cusps. The RME device was used as a passive retainer for three months, after which it was removed. During the following six months, no retention was used and no orthodontic treatment was undertaken. The findings demonstrate a significant relapse (p<0.001) in the dental transverse diameter in all patients six months after appliance removal, although the palatal volume remained stable.