The aim of this prospective clinical study is to evaluate and compare the changes in occlusal force distribution using a quantitative digital occlusal analysis system following piezocision-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in adolescent versus young adult orthodontic patients. The study hypothesis is that piezocision-assisted RME will result in significant changes in occlusal force distribution and that these outcomes may differ between age groups over a 3-month follow-up period.
This prospective clinical study evaluates the changes in occlusal force distribution in patients with maxillary transverse deficiency undergoing piezocision-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Participants aged 14-22 years with permanent dentition requiring rapid maxillary expansion are allocated into two age-based study groups: Group I (Adolescents): Patients aged 14-16 years. Group II (Young Adults): Patients aged 18-22 years. All participants undergo piezocision-assisted RME. Under local anesthesia, selective vertical micro-incisions are made interproximally on the buccal alveolar bone distal to the canines, first premolars, and second premolars. Corticotomy cuts to a depth of 3 mm into cortical bone are performed using a piezoelectric surgical device. A bonded tooth-borne Hyrax expander is then cemented and activated two quarters per day (0.5 mm of expansion per day) for 11 days. The expander is maintained as a passive retainer for 3 months to allow stabilization and midpalatal suture remodeling. Primary outcomes evaluate percentage changes in occlusal force distribution at maximum intercuspation across dental arch segments (Anterior vs. Posterior and Right vs. Left), as well as occlusion time and disclusion time during excursive movements, using quantitative digital occlusal force analysis(T-Scan III, Tekscan Inc., Norwood, MA, USA)). Secondary outcomes assess patient-reported pain and discomfort levels at defined time intervals.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
Under local anesthesia using Articaine with 1:100,000 Epinephrine, selective vertical micro-incisions are made interproximally through the attached gingiva to the maximum extent possible using a 15c scalpel blade via a flapless technique, extending through the periosteum to reach the alveolar bone. Corticotomy cuts are performed using a piezoelectric surgical device with a BS1 Slim II tip to a depth of 3 mm into cortical bone, initiated 2 mm apical to alveolar crest and safely positioned between adjacent tooth roots to avoid iatrogenic injury. Immediately following surgery, activation of a bonded tooth-borne Hyrax expander commences at a rate of one activation (quarter turn) twice daily (0.5 mm/day) for 11 days, followed by a 3-month passive retention phase for suture remodeling.
Quantitative digital measurement of occlusal force parameters using the T-Scan III system (Tekscan, Inc., Norwood, MA, USA) with HD sensors. Static parameters assessed at Maximum Intercuspation (MIC) include: (1) percentage of force distribution between anterior and posterior teeth, and (2) percentage of force symmetry between right and left arch sides. Dynamic parameters assessed include: (1) Occlusion Time (OT) measured from initial tooth contact to MIC, and (2) Disclusion Time (DT) recorded during right, left, and protrusive excursive movements.
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University
Cairo, Naser City, Egypt
Static Occlusal Force Distribution and Symmetry
Percentage of occlusal force distribution between anterior/posterior segments and percentage of force symmetry between right and left sides measured at Maximum Intercuspation (MIC) using T-Scan III.
Time frame: Baseline (T0: Pre-expansion) and 3-month post-expansion (T1).
Dynamic Occlusal Parameters (Occlusion and Disclusion Times)
Occlusion Time (OT in seconds, measured from initial tooth contact to Maximum Intercuspation \[MIC\]) and Disclusion Time (DT in seconds, measured from MIC during lateral and protrusive excursive movements until all posterior teeth completely disclude).
Time frame: Baseline (T0: Pre-expansion) and 3-month post-expansion (T1).
Postoperative Pain and Discomfort
Self-reported pain intensity evaluated using a 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Time frame: Day 3 (first follow-up), Day 7 (second follow-up), and Day 11 (end of active expansion phase).
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