Comparison of transversal effects of different expansion protocols: Alt-RAMEC versus RME

Abstract

Introduction: Since there are no studies in the literature comparing the effects of two different expansion protocols in the transverse direction, this is both the first. Most importantly, clinicians will see which of these two protocols is more singular in the treatment of transversal problems. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the transversal effects of the Alt-RAMEC (Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction) protocol on both craniofacial and dentoalveolar structures and to evaluate the transversal effects of the RME (Rapid Maxillary Expansion) protocol. Materials and methods: The patients selected in our archive were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 22 patients (12 boys, 10 girls, mean age 11.61±2.11 years) treated with five weeks of Alt-RAMEC. Group 2 comprised 21 patients (11 boys, 10 girls, mean age 11.66±1.23 years) who had been treated with one week of RME. Transversal measurements were also performed on the orthodontic cast models pre-(T0) and post-treatment (T1) with a digital caliper. Internasal, interzygomatic, interjugular and intergonial width measurements were made on posteroanterior radiographs. The initial measurements and the mean changes within the groups were analyzed, applying a student's t-test.Results: According to our study results, when the chronological age, gender distribution and initial values were evaluated, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Increases in the widths of intercanine, interpremolar, intermolar and alveolar base with the expansion protocols are statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant change in the measurements made in the mandible in both groups (p>0.05). The changes in maxillary intercanine, interpremolar widths between the group 1 and 2 were statistically significant (p<0.05). In the posteroanterior measurements, a significant difference was found between the group1 and 2 in internasal width (p<0.05). Conclusion: Alt-RAMEC and RME treatment protocols are effective in orthodontic treatment with correction of a transverse deficiency in growing subjects. 5-weeks Alt-RAMEC protocol significantly increased intercanine and interpremolar widths compared to 1-week RME.