CLINICAL CASES OF NON-SURGICAL PALATAL EXPANSION ON ADULT PATIENTS

In narrow maxillary arch, midpalatal suture can be readily opened in growing children with maxillary palatal expansion. In adult patients, narrow maxilla is generally treated surgically because their growth are deemed completed due to their age. However, in patients under 25, midpalatal suture may not be closed. In addition, maxillary expansion may depend upon the closure of other maxillary sutures, which generally remain open at this stage. The present study attempted suture openings with palatal expansion on 5 female patients in their early 20's. The opening was successful in 4 patients, while only one patient showed no suture opening. In all 4 subjects, no discomfort or pain was present during s\expansion, and the successful suture opening was confirmed on occlusal x-rays. Therefore, for those patients with narrow maxilla in their early 20's, rapid palatal expansion or slow palatal expansion may offer a simple and less complicated option which, if successful, may preclude the need for surgery and thereby circumvent the psychological and financial burdens for the patients.