[Effects of rapid palatal expansion on the midface and nasal septum changes in patients with early and late mixed dentition].

Objective: The aim of the study. To assess the effect of rapid palatal expansion on the nasal septum and midface in children aged 6 to 12 years.

Material and methods: The results of treatment of 60 patients with narrowing and deformation of the upper jaw during the early and late mixed dentition are presented. The patients were divided into groups according to the stage of formation of the midpalatine suture: Group 1 included 38 patients with stage «A» (average age 6-9 years); Group 2 - 22 patients with stage «B» (average age 8-12 years). The study also included a control group of patients who were not prescribed orthodontic treatment. The treatment was carried out using devices for rapid palatal expansion with dental, intraosseous and hybrid types of fixation. After clinical and radiological examination of patients and analysis of the obtained data, we identified and assessed the effect of rapid palatal expansion on changes in the midface and nasal septum.

Results: Expansion of the upper jaw in the area of the apex of the palatine roots of the first molars at the skeletal level was achieved by 3.02±1.71 mm (p<0.05) and its effects on the structures of the midface and nasal septum were analyzed. As a result of the conducted studies, an increase in the length of the septum was revealed by 5.1±1.39 mm (p<0.05) after the use of rapid palatal expansion in patients aged 6 to 12 years, undergoing orthodontic treatment compared with patients in the control group.

Conclusion: The use of the rapid palatal expansion technique allows achieving skeletal effects not only at the level of the upper jaw, but also contributes to an increase in the volume of the nasal cavity, exerting a positive effect on the growth of the maxillary complex.