RME as an aid to relieve excess crowding: Illustration with a case report

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a 13-year-old female patient who was diagnosed as Angle’s Class I malocclusion, posterior crossbite along with severe space deficiency. The space deficiency of 10 mm was noted in maxillary arch with complete block out of left central incisor, and posterior crossbite. The treatment plan presented non-extraction with rapid maxillary expansion. A bonded hyrax expander was used in a rhythm of 2 turns/day for 3 weeks, stabilized for 3 weeks, later followed by fixed appliance therapy on a 0.022 x 0.028 inch PEA on MBT prescription. The case was treated as non extraction. The treatment resulted in aesthetically pleasing facial profile with a normal overjet and overbite, and functional occlusion.   Keywords: RME, Anterior crowding, Non­extraction, Active retainer.