Review of Maxillary Expansion Appliance Activation Methods: Engineering and Clinical Perspectives
- D. L. Romanyk dromanyk{at}ualberta.ca1
- M. O. Lagravere mlagravere{at}ualberta.ca2
- R. W. Toogood roger.toogood{at}ualberta.ca3
- P. W. Major major{at}ualberta.ca2
- J. P. Carey jason.carey{at}ualberta.ca1
- 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, 5-8T Mechanical Engineering Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2G8
- 2Orthodontic Graduate Program, Department of Dentistry, Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2N8
- 3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, 4-8H Mechanical Engineering Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2G8
Abstract
Objective. Review the reported activation methods of maxillary expansion devices for midpalatal suture separation from an engineering perspective and suggest areas of improvement. Materials and Methods. A literature search of Scopus and PubMed was used to determine current expansion methods. A U.S. and Canadian patent database search was also conducted using patent classification and keywords. Any paper presenting a new method of expansion was included. Results. Expansion methods in use, or patented, can be classified as either a screw- or spring-type, magnetic, or shape memory alloy expansion appliance. Conclusions. Each activation method presented unique advantages and disadvantages from both clinical and engineering perspectives. Areas for improvement still remain and are identified in the paper.
- Received October 29, 2009.
- Accepted May 11, 2010.
- © 2010 D. L. Romanyk et al.
