Digitally Guided Hybrid Maxillary Expansion with Supragingival Mandibular Miniplates for Class III Correction in Late Adolescents: A Pilot Clinical Study.

This pilot study suggests that a digitally guided approach may achieve significant maxillary advancement in late adolescents with Class III malocclusion, though further research is needed to validate these findings.

Summary and findings

This pilot clinical study evaluated a digitally guided protocol combining a hybrid maxillary expander and supragingival mandibular miniplates in ten late adolescents (mean age 16.0 ± 1.3 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion. The study reported significant maxillary advancement after 12 months of treatment. No significant changes were noted in the mandibular position or angle.

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Management of skeletal Class III malocclusion of maxillary origin in late adolescence remains challenging, as conventional tooth-borne orthopedic approaches show reduced effectiveness at advanced stages of skeletal maturation. Minimally invasive, bone-anchored alternatives supported by digital workflows may improve clinical feasibility and patient acceptance. <b>Objective:</b> To describe a digitally guided clinical protocol combining a hybrid maxillary expander and supragingival mandibular miniplates, and to explore skeletal and dentoalveolar outcomes in late adolescents. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective pilot clinical study included ten late adolescents (mean age 16.0 ± 1.3 years; range 13.8-17.7) in advanced skeletal maturation stages (CS4-CS6) with skeletal Class III malocclusion of maxillary origin. Treatment consisted of a hybrid maxillary expander anchored to palatal miniscrews and custom supragingival mandibular miniplates, placed using a fully digital workflow. Maxillary protraction was performed using a modified Alt-RAMEC protocol followed by continuous intermaxillary elastic traction for 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric analyses were conducted. <b>Results:</b> A significant increase in SNA was observed (mean +6.1°, <i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating forward maxillary displacement. The Wits appraisal improved by 3.3 mm (<i>p</i> = 0.007), and the SeMax increased by 2.9 mm (<i>p</i> = 0.0013). No significant changes were found in the SNB or mandibular plane angle. Dentoalveolar effects were limited. <b>Conclusions:</b> Within the limitations of this pilot clinical study, the proposed digitally guided protocol demonstrated clinically relevant maxillary advancement with minimal dentoalveolar side effects and preserved vertical control. This relatively minimally invasive approach compared to conventional subgingival miniplates and orthognathic surgery may represent a feasible treatment option for selected late adolescent patients. Further controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.

Key findings

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Limitations

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