MODERN PERSPECTIVES ON RAPID PALATAL EXPANSION

Maxillary deficiency in the transverse dimension is a common problem in children. The conventional management of such malocclusion is with conventional rapid maxillary expansion. The beneficial effects of such an orthodontic therapy are explained in detail in the literature. But there are also negative effects of conventional rapid maxillary expansion. Thus, the improvements in the methods of expansion has led to discovery of miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expansion. The miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expansion are supported by mini implants and thus enable better skeletal expansion of maxilla. This article will discuss the favourable effects, negative effects, and clinical uses of conventional and miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expansion.