Management of anterior and posterior crossbites with lingual appliances and miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Dec 6;103(49):e40832. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040832.

Abstract

Rationale: Current literature describes only 2 cases combining miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) with lingual appliances. These cases require 2 impressions, 1 before and 1 after palatal expansion, to ensure accurate lingual appliance placement, potentially increasing treatment time and cost. This case report aimed to demonstrate a modified workflow of combining MARPE and lingual appliances in managing an adult patient with anteroposterior and transversal discrepancies, requiring only a single digital impression for both fabrication and positioning.

Patient concerns: A 29-year-old female presented with anterior and posterior crossbites, a class III skeletal relationship, and maxillary constriction. The patient desired a nonsurgical and esthetic treatment approach.

Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with a class III malocclusion with anterior and posterior crossbite on a skeletal hypodivergent class III relationship and upper posterior constriction.

Interventions: Treatment included MARPE for skeletal expansion, digitally planned lingual appliances for tooth alignment, and lower arch distalization for class III correction. A modified appliance sequence was utilized for optimal expansion retention and lingual bracket transfer accuracy.

Outcomes: The treatment successfully corrected the crossbites, improved dental and facial esthetics, and achieved partial skeletal correction.

Lessons: The combination of MARPE and lingual appliances offers a viable treatment alternative that prioritizes both esthetics and effective skeletal expansion for nonsurgical and esthetic management of adult class III malocclusion with maxillary constriction. The modified workflow, employing a single digital impression, may offer several advantages, including reduced treatment duration and associated costs, prolonged postexpansion retention, and minimized aesthetic impact of midline diastema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Screws
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Malocclusion, Angle Class III / therapy
  • Palatal Expansion Technique* / instrumentation