Does Maxillary Expansion Lead to Root Resorption?-A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The objective of this review article is to assess root resorption of conventional rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and mini screw assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) with 2D and 3D radiographic imaging method. For this review article, the current literature was searched on the studies conducted on the effects of such expansion appliances on root resorption. Orthodontic patients with transverse maxillary defieiceny undergo maxillary expansion therapy for the correction of posterior crossbite. The evalution of root resorption in such patients can be done with either 2D radiographs such as perioapical radiograph, panoramic radiograph or 3D radiographs such as cone beam computed tomography. This review article will discuss the studies showing that conventional RME appliances can result in root resorption of molar teeth after the expansion procedure. In contrast, MARPE appliances have not shown significant root resorption after expansion procedures.