The Effect of Expansion on Craniofacial Sutures in Children Using 3D Imaging

The aim of this study to test the immediate effect of rapid maxillary expansion on craniofacial sutures in children using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Subjects consisted of 15 growing patients between the ages of 8 and 12 with Skeletal transverse maxillary deficiency with unilateral or bilateral posterior cross bite. All patients will be treated with A bonded Hyrax (a rapid palatal expander with an acrylic occlusal splint). The planned activation protocol consisted of 2 turns per day (0.25 mm per turn) until the resolution of posterior cross bite with 2 to 3 mm overcorrection of expansion then tying off the jackscrew with a ligature wire and placing a smooth composite material over it. The initial CBCT scan (T0) will be taken before cementation of the maxillary expander and again immediately after the end of the active expansion (T1). First, all CBCT images will be oriented then the craniofacial sutures(Intermaxillary Suture, Midpalatal Suture, Transpalatal Suture, Internasal Suture, Frontonasal suture, Zygomaticotemporal suture, Frontomaxillary suture, Zygomaticomaxillary suture, Nasomaxillary sutures, Spheno-occipital synchondrosis) will be examined. Where the linear measurements will be carried out directly on the CBCT image using the OnDemand 3D Imaging software program.