Digitally Guided Hybrid Maxillary Expansion with Supragingival Mandibular Miniplates for Class III Correction in Late Adolescents: A Pilot Clinical Study.
The study suggests that a digitally guided protocol for maxillary expansion may achieve significant maxillary advancement with minimal side effects, but further research is needed to confirm these results.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the na semax amidate (n-acetyl semax amidate) corpusSummary and findings
This pilot clinical study evaluated a digitally guided protocol for maxillary expansion in ten late adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion. The treatment involved a hybrid maxillary expander and supragingival mandibular miniplates, resulting in significant maxillary advancement. No therapeutic claims are made.
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.
Background
The study addresses the clinical challenge of Class III malocclusion correction in late adolescents, a condition that can affect both aesthetics and function. Prior research has explored various orthodontic interventions, but there is limited data on the use of digitally guided techniques combined with mandibular miniplates. This study is significant as it introduces a novel approach that may enhance treatment outcomes.
Methods
Not reported in abstract.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Not reported in abstract.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.