Changes in transverse dimensions in growing patients treated with AMCOP® and electromyographic assessment with Teethan®

Abstract

Aim: To retrospectively evaluate transverse maxillary changes and neuromuscular balance in growing patients treated with AMCOP® elastodontic appliances by combining three-dimensional digital model analysis and surface electromyography (sEMG). Materials and methods: This monocentric retrospective case series included 12 children (8 females, 4 males; aged 4–7 years) treated for transverse maxillary deficiency with AMCOP® Integral or Class III (TC) devices for 10–18 months. Transverse widths were measured on digital models (Deltadent®) at baseline (T0) and post-treatment (T1) at the intercanine, inter–second deciduous molar (inter-5), and intermediate or first molar regions when erupted. Neuromuscular function was assessed using surface electromyography (Teethan®), evaluating symmetry indices (POC TA/MM), barycenter (BAR), torsion (TORS), asymmetry (ASIM), and impact index (IMP). Results: All patients showed transverse maxillary expansion. Intercanine increases ranged from +0.5 to +4.9 mm, inter-5 from +1.15 to +6.26 mm, and intermolar measurements (available in 6 patients) from +1.83 to +4.87 mm. sEMG recordings demonstrated improvement in neuromuscular coordination in most cases, including normalization or improvement of BAR, reduction of TORS and ASIM values, and enhancement of IMP toward physiological ranges. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective case series, AMCOP® elastodontic therapy was associated with clinically relevant transverse maxillary widening and favorable neuromuscular rebalancing. These preliminary findings support elastodontic functional interception as a conservative approach for early transverse deficiency, although controlled comparative studies are required to confirm treatment efficacy.