Orthopedic maxillary expansion in young adults: a case report
This case report presents the orthodontic management of a 20-year-old male patient diagnosed with severe maxillary constriction, anterior open bite, and dental crowding. Treatment was performed using Mini screw-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) in combination with fixed orthodontic therapy. A digital workflow was used to design and manufacture the skeletally anchored expansion appliance as well as the placement guides, increasing accuracy and predictability of the outcome. Clinical and radiographic evaluations, including panoramic imaging and CBCT, confirmed orthopedic maxillary expansion, successful alignment and leveling of the dentition, intrusion of the lateral segments, and correction of the anterior open bite. This case demonstrates the clinical effectiveness of MARPE and digitally guided orthodontic approaches in young adult patients, offering a valid alternative to traditional methods when skeletal maturation limits their effectiveness.