DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/20394.

8655
Case Report

Customized Modified Haas

Dentistry Section

Palatal Expansion in Mixed

Dentition: A Case Report
Ziauddin Mohammad1, Sampath Reddy Cheruku2, Sarada Penmetcha3,
Srinivas Namineni4, Phani Himaja Devi Vaaka5

ABSTRACT
The dental arch perimeter and transpalatal width are the most significant arch dimensions in the developing individuals. Its management
during the primary, mixed and early permanent dentition are greatly important for the normal development of the dental arches and
significantly improve the occlusion in adulthood. Malocclusion is a constant source of threat to the facial appearance. Severe anterior
crowding and narrow maxillary arches adversely affect the smile, facial profile and consequently patient becomes handicapped socially
as well as psychologically. Maxillary expansion has been used in resolving the problems of crowding, constricted arches and allow for
forward growth of the mandible in growing children. This case report describes the use of a customized modified Haas appliance in in-
tercepting the maxillary anterior crowding and gain the transpalatal width and arch perimeter of the maxilla, enhance the smile and facial
profile and to allow the forward mandibular growth without any anterior occlusal interferences.

Keywords: Arch perimeter, Crowding, Expansion screw, Mandibular growth, Transpalatal width

case report On the basis of model analysis and radiographic findings, the
A 10-year-old female patient accompanied by her mother reported diagnosis was confirmed as skeletal Class II with a deficiency
to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry with the in mandibular growth, arch perimeter and transpalatal width.
chief complaint of unaesthetic appearance and irregularly placed Informed consent was taken from the parent’s prior to treatment.
upper front teeth. Clinical examination revealed the following
features: Convex facial profile, incompetent lips and lower lip trap.
On intra-oral examination, she presented a mixed dentition stage,
labially placed 12, 21, disto-palatal rotation of 11, mesio-labial
rotation of 32, 42, V-shaped maxillary arch. The patient exhibited
an increased overbite, overjet, midline shift towards the patients
right side and end on molar relationship on both sides [Table/Fig-1].
The patient’s medical and family history was non-contributory.
Tanaka Jonson Model analysis was performed as it is a non
radiographic method and used patient’s models, in which 6mm
arch discrepancy was observed. Pre-expansion measurements of
arch perimeter, inter canine, inter molar and arch width were traced
on the working cast [Table/Fig-2]. Pre-expansion measurements
were recorded [Table/Fig-3].
Pre-expansion soft tissue and hard tissue cephalometric analysis
were performed on the lateral cephalogram and measurements
were recorded [Table/Fig-4].

[Table/Fig-2]: Pre-expansion measurements traced on the cast.

S. No Parameter Pre-expansion
1 Inter-canine width 20mm
A) Transverse
Inter-molar width 29mm
dimensions
Transpalatal width 28mm
2 A) Arch perimeter 78mm
3 B) Arch length 29mm
a) Prediction space: 84
Tanaka Johnston
4 b) Available space: 78
Model analysis
c) 6mm discrepancy
[Table/Fig-1]: Pre-treatment extra and intra-oral photographs. [Table/Fig-3]: Pre-expansion measurements.

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 Ziauddin Mohammad et al., Customized Modified Haas Palatal Expansion www.jcdr.net

S. No. Parameter Pre-treatment Average values S. No Parameter Pre-expansion

1 <SNA 81° 80°- 82° 1 Inter-canine width 25mm
A) Transverse
2 <SNB 74° 80° Inter-molar width 33mm
dimensions
3 ANB 6° 2° Transpalatal width 32mm
4 Facial angle 80° 82-95° 2 A) Arch perimeter 85mm
5 Mandibular plane angle 35° 17-28° 3 B) Arch length 31mm
6 Occlusal plane angle 15° 14° d) Prediction space: 84
Tanaka Johnston
4 e) Available space: 85
7 Upper incisor to N-A Angle 22° 22° Model analysis
f) 1mm more space available
8 Upper incisor to N-A linear 5mm 4mm
[Table/Fig-7]: Post-expansion measurements.
9 Lower incisor to N-B angle 25° 25°

S No Parameter Post-expansion
10 Lower incisor to N-B linear 3mm 4mm
1 <SNA 82°
11 Inter-incisor angle 127° 130° -131°
2 <SNB 78°
Soft tissue analysis
3 ANB 4°
1 Naso-labial angle 70° (102°±8°)
4 Facial angle 83°
2 Cant upper lip 18° (14°±8°)
5 Mandibular plane angle 38°
3 Steiner’s S-Line Convex
6 Occlusal plane angle 17°
[Table/Fig-4]: Pre-expansion cephalogram measurements.
7 Upper incisor to N-A angle 23°
8 Upper incisor to N-A linear 5 mm
9 Lower incisor to N-B angle 25°

10 Lower incisor to N-B linear 5 mm

11 Lower incisor to N-Pog linear 3 mm
12 Inter-incisor angle 126°
[Table/Fig-5]: Appliance design.
Soft tissue analysis
1 Naso-labial angle 110°
2 Cant upper lip 16°
3 Steiner’s S-Line Straight
[Table/Fig-8]: Post-expansion cephalogram measurements.

[Table/Fig-9]: Post-expansion extra and intra oral photographs.

the molar bands on the palatal surface of 55, 65. A jack screw was
placed in the center of the hard palate and the free ends of wire
[Table/Fig-6]: Post-expansion measurements traced on the cast.
components were stabilized in the self-cure acrylic resin [Table/
Fig-5].
The case was undertaken for maxillary expansion for space gaining Clinical Management: Prior to cementation, the appliance was
with customized modified Haas appliance. tried intraorally for optimal fit. In the first week following the insertion
Appliance Design [1]: Molar separation was achieved with of the appliance, it was not activated thereby allowing the child to
orthodontic separators (3M). Bands were selected according to adapt to the appliance. On the subsequent recall visits, initially the
the mesiodistal measurement of 55, 65 and placement was done. jack screw was activated two quarter turns in a day (90°) for first
An alginate impression was made, bands were transferred in the week and subsequently activated one quarter turn in a day for six
alginate impression and the working cast was prepared. A 20 weeks [2,3]. The same appliance was used for retention and the
gauge (0.08 inch, Konark, India) stainless steel orthodontic wire patient was scheduled for the next appointment. After four months
was adapted on the palatal aspect of 16, 55, 54, 53 and contra retention, the appliance was removed and the removable retainer
lateral 26, 65, 64, and 63. The wire component was soldered to was placed. The patient was asked to visit every 1, 3, 6, 12, 18

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www.jcdr.net Ziauddin Mohammad et al., Customized Modified Haas Palatal Expansion

months for follow-up. After one and a half year follow-up the expansion [15]. The patient monitored on a regular basis. In the
patient had an acceptable facial profile and aesthetics. The end on present case, we observed the transpalatal width less i.e., 28mm,
molar relation came into Class I molar relation on both sides and this was one of the reasons for early intervention. Evidence
the lips were competent. Post-expansion measurements of arch suggests that rapid maxillary expansion has been shown to have
perimeter, inter-canine, inter-molar and arch width were traced
on the cast [Table/Fig-6]. Pre-expansion measurements were Hyrax appliance Haas appliance Customized modified
Haas appliance
recorded [Table/Fig-7]. Soft and hard tissue cephalometric analysis
was done [Table/Fig-8]. Post-treatment intra-oral photograph is Anchorage • Permanent • Permanent teeth • Primary teeth,
teeth permanent teeth
shown in [Table/Fig-9]. Advantages of the use
of the primary teeth to
DISCUSSION anchor the appliance:
It avoids the
The interceptive orthodontic treatment has a vital role in the treat­ undesirable effects on
ment of developing malocclusion. The treatment of developing permanent teeth
malocclusion has to be ideally understood as early intervention, Type Tooth borne Tooth and tissue Tooth and tissue borne
using easy, minimal duration and able to completely or moderately borne
correcting a malocclusion or preventing it from becoming worse [4]. Advantages • Hygienic • More efficiently • The appliance has
Early treatment involves correction of anterior crossbite, crowding, appliance counteract the more stability
centripetal forces • Least expansive (Jack
and ectopic eruption of anterior teeth. Problems associated with present during the screw)
dental arches are the lack of space, space loss, malposition and retention phase. • Least side effects on
anchoring teeth
malalignment of teeth. All such problems could be treated with •Maintaining basal • Easy to fabricate
space gaining and simultaneous alignment of the teeth [5]. expansion • More efficiently
counteract the
The removable jack screw appliance can serve this purpose in centripetal forces
early mixed dentition when the midpalatal suture is less tortuous present during the
and their added advantage is the simple laboratory procedure retention phase.
• Maintaining basal
and cost effectiveness. However, their main problem with the use expansion
of the removable appliance is noncompliance on the part of the Disadvantages • Expansive • Expansive • Further clinical
patient as most of the patients fail to wear them regularly. There • Expansion • Expansion research is required
are many advantages of fixed appliances over the removable causes a buccal causes a buccal
tipping of tipping of
appliances including reduced need for patient cooperation and anchoring teeth anchoring teeth
lesser discomfort [6]. Many fixed appliances have been described • Root resorption, • Root resorption,
to resolve the problems associated with transverse discrepancy periodontal periodontal
damage damage
[2]. The rapid maxillary expansion appliance is one of the most
efficient to treat transverse discrepancy. Usually, rapid maxillary
[Table/Fig-10]: Comparison of different palatal expansion appliances.
expansion appliance anchored premolars and permanent molars,
and the expansion causes a buccal tipping of these teeth [7]. additional benefits including facilitation of correction of Class II and
Anchoring teeth may exhibit exostosis, pulp stones, root resorption Class III malocclusion spontaneously. A spontaneous correction
and clinical evidence of periodontal damage to the anchoring teeth of the Class II malocclusion sometimes occurs in the early mixed
has been reported, with on the occurrence of gingival recession dentition, during the retention period [18]. Comparison of different
three times more than in control [8,9]. To avoid these undesirable palatal expansion appliances is shown in [Table/Fig-10].
effects on permanent teeth, rapid maxillary expansion in mixed
In the present case it was observed, that after subsequent
dentition can be achieved by using primary teeth to anchor the
appointments the patient displayed a Class I molar relation and
appliance [10]. Various studies reported the advantage of primary
the shift in molar relation occurred before the transition from the
teeth to be used as anchor for the palatal expansion appliance; it
mandibular second primary molar to the second premolar, this
avoids the undesirable effects on permanent teeth [11-14].
was presumable. The mandibular growth subsequently makes
The following case report describes the use of a customized this early postural change stable. Anterior occlusal interferences
modified Haas appliance in intercepting the maxillary anterior should be intervened at an earlier stage for proper development
crowding, gain the arch perimeter, transpalatal width, and enhance of maxillary and mandibular jaws, and for the establishment of the
the smile and facial profile and to allow the mandibular growth class I molar relationship.
without any anterior occlusal interferences.
Reichenbach and Taatz used the example of a foot and shoe CONCLUSION
principle, with the foot representing the mandible and the shoe The customized modified Haas appliance is effective to treat
representing the maxilla. If the shoe is too narrow, it is impossible transpalatal discrepancies and anterior maxillary crowding in the
for the foot to slide fully into the shoe. By widening the shoe, the mixed dentition using primary second molars as an anchorage and
foot slides forward into its usual position. From an orthopedic this appliance being cost effective and easy to fabricate, could be
standpoint, the widening of the maxilla allows for the spontaneous used as a substitute for Hyrax or Haas expanders in mixed dentition.
repositioning of the mandibular jaw into a more forward position [15]. Proper diagnosis, timely intervention is important for such mixed
Kingsley emphasizes this phenomenon, how the palatal expansion dentition occlusal problems. Further clinical research is required
could favor mandibular advancement [16]. This example, allows to with a larger sample to assess the success of the appliance.
understand how the transpalatal expansion solves spontaneous
mandible repositioning in a forward position, solving or improving References
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PARTICULARS OF CONTRIBUTORS:
1. Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Telangana, India.
2. Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Telangana, India.
3. Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Telangana, India.
4. Professor and Head, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad, Telangana, India.
5. Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Malla Reddy Dental College for Women, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

NAME, ADDRESS, E-MAIL ID OF THE CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Dr. Ziauddin Mohammad,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery,
Vikarabad - 501101, Telangana, India. Date of Submission: Mar 30, 2016
E-mail: drziamohammad@gmail.com Date of Peer Review: May 24, 2016
Date of Acceptance: Jun 21, 2016
Financial OR OTHER COMPETING INTERESTS: None. Date of Publishing: Oct 01, 2016

4 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2016 Oct, Vol-10(10): ZD01-ZD04