Novel method for maxillary protraction following the purely bone-borne mini-screw assisted maxillary skeletal expansion

Abstract

The integration of digital technology has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by streamlining traditional processes and enhancing treatment precision and efficiency. Bone Anchored Maxillary Protraction (BAMP) aims to correct the maxillomandibular deficiency for skeletal Class III patients in the middle or late stages of growth. The combination of mini-screw-assisted maxillary skeletal expansion (MARPE) with BAMP is the efficient solution for skeletal transverse and sagittal deficiencies, which aims to maximize skeletal effects while minimizing dental effects. This article presents a novel digital workflow for orthodontic treatment, focusing on mini-screw-assisted maxillary skeletal protraction following transverse expansion. The digital clinic workflow encompasses data acquisition, virtual design and planning, and 3D printing, which minimized the hands-on time of the dental laboratory as much as possible to improve efficiency. Additionally, the article provides a detailed description of the digital methodology for creating custom auxiliaries for maxillary protraction, including types and protocols of 3D printing auxiliaries. A case review demonstrates the application of the digital workflow in treating skeletal Class III malocclusion. Radiological analysis reveals significant improvements in skeletal relationships, with successful maxillary expansion and protraction using the digital method. Digital-assisted orthodontics processes described in this article enhanced the usage of MARPE and BAMP treatment, aiming to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and patient comfort. The integration of digital technologies into orthodontic practice promotes the patient care, streamlines processes, improves accuracy, and enhances communication between practitioners and patients.