Non-surgical treatment of maxillary atresia after the growth peak using miniscrew-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE)

Authors

  • Luciana Gisele Cavalcante Pena Instituto de Ensino e Ensino em Pesquisa-IEEP/Funorte Author
  • Thiago Santos Mendes Instituto de Ensino e Ensino em Pesquisa-IEEP/Funorte Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7468-954X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70614/4fqgh071

Keywords:

Palatal expansion technique, Malocclusion, Orthodontics, Orthodontic appliances fixed, Esthetics dental

Abstract

Maxillary atresia is a skeletal condition of multifactorial etiology, characterized by a transverse deficiency of the maxilla in relation to the mandible, which can cause deformities such as high-arched palate, posterior crossbite, dental crowding, and respiratory disorders. Early correction during the growth phase is possible with conventional orthopedic devices, such as Hyrax and Haas. However, in patients after the growth spurt, fusion of the craniofacial sutures limits the effectiveness of these techniques, increasing the risk of side effects such as tooth tilt, root resorption, and instability. Miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) is a minimally invasive alternative that distributes forces more efficiently along the midpalatal suture, promoting skeletal expansion with less dentoalveolar impact. Classification of the suture fusion stage, assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), is essential for guiding the choice of expansion method. This report presents the case of an adolescent patient, post-growth spurt, with severe crowding due to maxillary atresia, treated with miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) and corrective orthodontics. Individualized planning, combined with CBCT for suture assessment, enabled an effective approach, resulting in skeletal and dental correction, with functional and aesthetic improvements, reinforcing the potential of MARPE as a viable alternative to surgery in patients with partially closed sutures.

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Author Biographies

  • Luciana Gisele Cavalcante Pena, Instituto de Ensino e Ensino em Pesquisa-IEEP/Funorte

    Formou-se em Odontologia pela Faculdade do Amazonas -IAES (2021). É especialista em Odontologia do Trabalho e Odontologia do Esporte pela Faculdade Unyleya (2023). Fonoaudióloga formada pelo Centro Universitário Nilton Lins (2007), Especialista em Audiologia pelo Centro Universitário NIlton LIns (2007). Pós Graduanda em Ortodontia no IEEP/Funorte. Atua atualmente como Ortodontista, visando devolver não somente a estética, mas a função.

     

  • Thiago Santos Mendes, Instituto de Ensino e Ensino em Pesquisa-IEEP/Funorte

    Formou-se em Odontologia pela Faculdade do Amazonas - IAES (2008); É mestre em Odontologia, área de concentração Ortodontia, pela Fundação Hermínio Ometto - FHO/UNIARARAS (2022), e especialista em Ortodontia pela Faculdades Integradas do Norte de Minas - FUNORTE/IEEP (2017). Atualmente é coordenador do Curso Especialização em Ortodontia e do Curso de Aperfeiçoamento em Ortodontia com Sistema Autoligado do IEEP/FUNORTE. É também, responsável técnico de clinica odontológica privada e membro da Associação Brasileira de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial - ABOR, seção Amazonas. Atua exclusivamente na Ortodontia com foco em Aparelhos Autoligados e Ancoragem esquelética. Foi Oficial Dentista da Marinha do Brasil (2011 - 2019), atuando como Encarregado do Departamento de Saúde no Navio de Assistência Hospitalar Oswaldo Cruz e Ajudante do Departamento de Odontologia da Policlínica Naval de Manaus, realizando atendimentos nas áreas de Ortodontia, Prótese e Odontologia Preventiva às populações ribeirinhas na calha dos rios dos estados de Amazonas, Pará, Acre e Amapá, além da família naval e militares. (Texto informado pelo autor)

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Published

2025-10-13 — Updated on 2025-10-13

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Revista Clínica de Odontologia

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Relato de Caso

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