Abstract
The Latest Paradigms in Skeletally Anchored Maxillary Expansion in Adolescents and Adults
by Winsauer Heinz
The use of mini-screw anchorage for maxillary expansion has gained significant popularity in recent years. However, despite its advantages, this technique is not without complications that may compromise treatment success. Common challenges include insufficient miniscrew stability, inadequate mechanical design, and overly aggressive activation protocols, all of which can lead to dental, gingival, and cranial issues. A key factor in overcoming these challenges is the maximization of bone utilization in the palatal area. This requires precise selection of insertion sites and angles to ensure tricortical anchorage, along with appropriate screw dimensions and sufficient secondary stability. Additionally, the rigidity and mechanical integrity of all expander components play a crucial role in ensuring predictable outcomes. To further improve the safety and effectiveness of maxillary expansion, a novel ultra-slow and discontinuous activation protocol has been developed: the Force-Controlled and Polycyclic (FCPC) protocol. Unlike conventional rapid expansion techniques, the FCPC protocol maintains a constant expansion force over an extended period, incorporating controlled micro-expansions and contractions. This approach seems to promote anabolic stimuli within cranial sutures, allowing for better clinical control and reducing technical and biological risks. The combination of these principles forms the foundation of the MICRO4 concept, achieving a success rate of over 84% in adult maxillary expansion without surgery.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to understand the biomechanical principles essential for stable and effective miniscrew-anchored maxillary expansion.
After this lecture, you will be able to recognize the importance of precise screw placement, expander rigidity, and controlled activation protocols.
After this lecture, you will be able to apply the FCPC activation protocol to minimize biological risks and improve treatment predictability.
The Latest Paradigms in Skeletally Anchored Maxillary Expansion in Adolescents and Adults
by Walter Solana Andre
The use of mini-screw anchorage for maxillary expansion has gained significant popularity in recent years. However, despite its advantages, this technique is not without complications that may compromise treatment success. Common challenges include insufficient miniscrew stability, inadequate mechanical design, and overly aggressive activation protocols, all of which can lead to dental, gingival, and cranial issues. A key factor in overcoming these challenges is the maximization of bone utilization in the palatal area. This requires precise selection of insertion sites and angles to ensure tricortical anchorage, along with appropriate screw dimensions and sufficient secondary stability. Additionally, the rigidity and mechanical integrity of all expander components play a crucial role in ensuring predictable outcomes. To further improve the safety and effectiveness of maxillary expansion, a novel ultra-slow and discontinuous activation protocol has been developed: the Force-Controlled and Polycyclic (FCPC) protocol. Unlike conventional rapid expansion techniques, the FCPC protocol maintains a constant expansion force over an extended period, incorporating controlled micro-expansions and contractions. This approach seems to promote anabolic stimuli within cranial sutures, allowing for better clinical control and reducing technical and biological risks. The combination of these principles forms the foundation of the MICRO4 concept, achieving a success rate of over 84% in adult maxillary expansion without surgery.
Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to understand the biomechanical principles essential for stable and effective miniscrew-anchored maxillary expansion.
After this lecture, you will be able to recognize the importance of precise screw placement, expander rigidity, and controlled activation protocols.
After this lecture, you will be able to apply the FCPC activation protocol to minimize biological risks and improve treatment predictability.