PILOT STUDY ON THE USE OF A CUSTOMIZED BONE-BORNE EXPANDER IN THE TREATMENT OF MAXILLARY TRANSVERSE DEFICIENCY

Maxillary transverse deficiency is a common dentofacial condition that may result in posterior crossbite, dental crowding, impaired nasal airflow, and functional occlusal alterations. In skeletally mature patients, conventional tooth-borne expansion may present limitations due to reduced skeletal response and increased dentoalveolar side effects. The introduction of bone-borne expanders has allowed for a more effective and controlled orthopedic expansion through skeletal anchorage. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the clinical application of a customized bone-borne expander in the treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency. A preliminary cohort of patients affected by transverse maxillary constriction underwent treatment with a custom-designed skeletal anchorage device. Clinical, radiographic and dental parameters were assessed before and after expansion in order to evaluate transverse skeletal changes, dental effects, and treatment feasibility. Preliminary findings suggest that the customized bone-borne expander represents a reliable and minimally invasive approach for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency, allowing effective skeletal expansion while reducing undesirable dental movements. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the long-term stability and clinical outcomes of this technique.