The novel use of three-dimensional surface models to quantify and visualise the immediate changes of the mid-facial skeleton following rapid maxillary expansion

Ong, S. C., Khambay, B., McDonald, J. and Cross, D. (2014) The novel use of three-dimensional surface models to quantify and visualise the immediate changes of the mid-facial skeleton following rapid maxillary expansion. Surgeon, (doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2013.10.012)

Abstract

Background: The transverse skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) have previously been assessed using cone-beam CT (CBCT). However, to date the majority of studies assess the changes based on two-dimensional slice images, which under utilises the three-dimensional (3D) data captured. This study optimizes the volumetric CBCT data by generating 3D rendered surface models to quantity and visualize the immediate 3D changes of the mid-facial bone surfaces following RME.<p></p> Methods: The sample consisted of 14 patients who required RME prior to fixed appliances. Pre-treatment (T0) and immediate post expansion (T1) CBCT images were taken. Following superimposition the mid face was divided into six anatomical regions. A one-sample t-test was used to determine if the differences between the two surfaces were significantly ≥0.5 mm.<p></p> Findings: All regions showed a change following RME ≥ 0.5 mm. The maxillary and nasal bones showed 2.3 mm and 2.4 mm expansion respectively, followed by the zygomatic bones (1.4 mm), 2 cases showing asymmetric expansion. Conclusions: The use of 3D surface rendered models allows quantification and visualisation of 3D changes in the mid-facial skeleton at anatomical sites distant of RME activation. Following activation there can be a pan mid-facial expansion, including not only the maxilla but also the nasal lateral bones and zygomas. The response was highly variable and asymmetric expansion can occur.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cross, Dr David and McDonald, Professor James and Khambay, Dr Balvinder
• Authors: Ong, S. C., Khambay, B., McDonald, J., and Cross, D.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RK Dentistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Research Group: MVLS
• Journal Name: Surgeon
• Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
• ISSN: 1479-666X