Surgically assisted Maxillo-mandibular transverse expansion

The skeletal correction of transverse maxillary deficiency is difficult via orthodontics and orthopedics after 18 years of age and is successful until the age of approximately 13-15 yearsdepending on the gender of the patient [1, 2]. After the skeletal maturity, orthodontic treatment alone cannot provide stable widening of constricted maxilla. The area of increased skeletal resistance to expansion is indeed not the midpalatal suture, but the pterygomaxillary, zygomatico temporal, zygomatico frontal and zygomatico maxillary [3, 4]. The skeletal mandibular transverse deficiency is a difficult clinical situation to handle by orthodontic means alone. This case report highlights the successful management of transverse maxillo-mandibular discrepancy by combined orthodontic-surgical approach.