Changes after surgically-assisted maxillary expansion (SARME) to the dentoalveolar, palatal and nasal structures by using tooth-borne distraction devices

Abstract Different devices are available to aid surgically-assisted maxillary expansion. In this study we have evaluated the changes to the anchoring teeth, the hard palate, and the lower nasal passage made by tooth-borne distraction devices. Thirty-one patients (mean (SD) age 28 (2) years) with deficiencies in the transverse width of the maxilla were examined by computed tomography and cone beam scans before and after operation. The data were analysed with the help of Wilcoxon's signed rank test and Spearman's r correlation. The mean (SD) distraction width was 6.5 (2.3) mm. All anchorage teeth were tilted ( p p p p