Light maxillary expansion forces with the magnetic expansion device. A preliminary investigation

• Published in: European journal of orthodontics 1994-12, Vol.16 (6), p.479-490
• Main Authors: Darendeliler, M. Ali, Strahm, C., Joho, J. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activator Appliances; Adolescent; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cephalometry; Child; Cobalt; Cranial Sutures - diagnostic imaging; Cranial Sutures - growth & development; Dental Bonding; Dental Models; Dentistry; Humans; Magnetics - therapeutic use; Maxilla - diagnostic imaging; Maxilla - growth & development; Orthodontic Appliance Design; Palatal Expansion Technique - instrumentation; Prostheses and Implants; Radiography; Samarium
• ISSN: 0141-5387; 1460-2210
• DOI: 10.1093/ejo/16.6.479

An active maxillary magnetic expansion device (MED) was developed to be used clinically. The aim was to show the effects of light and continuous forces producing less traumatic stimulation of maxillary sutural growth than a conventional rapid maxillary expansion device. In this study, two different types of appliances were used on six patients between 7 years 4 months and 16 years 2 months: the first type was bonded, the other one used bands. For better appreciation, four implants were placed on each patient: two apically between central and lateral incisors, and two between second premolars and molars. A standardized radio-graphic technique was used to take occlusal radiographs, and postero-anterior and lateral headplates. The results varied according to the age and the appliance used. The skeletal effect with the banded MED was between 16 and 77 per cent, and for the bonded MED 0 and 25 per cent in comparison to the overall expansion. It seems that 250–500 g of continuous magnetic forces can produce dental and skeletal movements in a light force expansion concept, but further studies with larger samples are needed to make firm conclusions.