Palatal changes after treatment of functional posterior cross-bite using elastodontic appliances: a 3D imaging study using deviation analysis and surface-to-surface matching technique

Abstract

Abstract Background The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in palate dimension and morphology after treatment of functional posterior crossbite (FPXB) with elastodontic devices (EAs). Methods The treatment group (TG) consisted of 25 subjects (mean age 7.3 ± 0.9 years) who received treatment with EA for one year. The control group (CG) comprised 14 untreated subjects (mean age 6.8 ± 0.7 years). Inclusion criteria: intra-oral scan registered before (T0) and after treatment (T1), FPXB with a mandibular shift towards the crossbite site of ≥ 2 mm, class I molar relationship. Exclusion criteria: missing teeth, anterior crossbite, temporomandibular disorders, previous orthodontic treatment, carious lesions, mobility of deciduous posterior teeth, craniofacial deformities. Digital models were analyzed to assess the inter-canine (ICW) and inter-molar widths (IMW) and the corresponding emi-lateral measurements (eICW and eIMW) using the median palatine plane as reference. According to a specific 3D imaging technology, the morphology and symmetry of the palate was investigated by analysing the 3D deviation between the two specular models of the palate. Results At T0, both groups showed a significantly narrower dimension of eICW and eIMW at the crossbite side compared to the non-crossbite side (p 0.05). Conclusions EAs could be successfully used to correct FPXB in mixed dentition and could restore the harmonious development of the palate in children.

Keywords

• Orthodontics
• Digital orthodontics
• Digital dentistry
• Elastodontics
• Crossbite