The Effects of Various Rapid Palatal Expansion Appliances on Dentoskeletal, Dentoalveolar, Nasal and Airway Resistance

Fifty eight patients were divided into 4 groups. The first group (n: 15, 15.6 ± 1,1 years of age) was Full Coverage Rapid Palatal Expansion (FCRPE). The second group ( n:14, 15.3 ± 0,9 years of age) was Modified McNamara Rapid Palatal Expansion (MMRPE). The third group (n:14, 15.7 ± 1,1 years of age) was Miniimplant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE). The fourth group (n:15, 15.4 ± 1,0 years of age) was control group. Polygraphy for respiratory evaluation, rhinomanometry for nasal airway resistance, study model, and posteroanterior radiographs (PA) to measure dentoalveolar and dentoskeletal effects were used. Respiratory polygraphy, rhinomanometry, study model, and posteroanterior radiographs were obtained prior to treatment and after 3 months of expansion. Paired t tests and independent-sample t tests were used to compare the expansion appliances.