2022 AAO Annual Session - Is Success Predictable When Expanding with TADs?

With increasing skeletal maturity and resistance from anatomic structures, heavy interdigitation of the intermaxillary suture makes rapid palatal expansion (RPE) unfeasible when using conventional appliances. Therefore, mini-screw supported RME appliances were originally developed for patients whom conventional RME may not be indicated. The rationale is to provide a safer separation for the intermaxillary suture without any significant side effects. However, intermaxillary suture separation may not readily occur in every patient that a mini-screw supported RME appliance is used. This lecture aims to present how mini-screw supported expansion may and may not work for your practice setting with case demonstrations.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the differences between conventional and mini-screw supported RME.
• Design and utilize mini-screw supported expansion appliances based on right indication.
• Analyze what outcomes could reasonably be expected after RME based on age, function and proper diagnosis.