Investigation of changes caused by Rapid Maxillary Expansion in mandibular bone and temporomandibular joint trabecular structure using fractal analysis

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the trabecular structure of the mandibular bone and temporomandibular joint following Rapid Maxillary Expansion. Methods: Thirty-nine patients who received Rapid Maxillary Expansion treatment in the Department of Orthodontics of the Faculty of Dentistry were selected from the archieve for the study. Trabecular structure changes of the angulus mandible, corpus mandible, and condyle regions were examined using fractal analysis on the dental panoramic radiographs. Radiographs taken before the treatment (T0) and at the end of the 3-month retention period (T1) of the patients. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between T0 and T1 in the condyle, ramus mandible, and corpus mandible regions depending on time and sex. (p < 0.05) Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Rapid Maxillary Expansion treatment does not have a significant impact on the trabecular structure of the mandible and temporomandibular joint depending on time and gender.