A comparison of maxillary arch width and molar tipping changes between rapid maxillary expansion and fixed appliance vs. the Damon system

Mikulencak D. American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics 2007; 132:562.

Objective

To investigate changes in arch width expansion using the Damon System and whether the amount of molar tipping is comparable with that seen using RPEs.

Methodology

Retrospective study involved investigation of 30 patients who underwent maxillary arch expansion treatment using the Damon System. Measurements included maxillary intermolar, interpremolars and intercanine widths as well as maxillary molar angulation.

Results

• Clinically and statistically significant changes in arch width dimensions were observed in the molar and premolar areas after treatment.
  
• No significant changes were observed in the canine area.
• An inverse relationship exists between pretreatment molar arch width and change in molar angulation with the Damon System.
• The findings were compared with previously published RPE studies, and no difference in the amount of molar tipping was found.
  

Conclusion

The Damon System provides comparable arch width expansion to RPEs with no difference in the amount of molar tipping.