Transpalatal distraction in a patient with a narrow maxilla

Abstract

An adult male patient who presented with an anterior open bite and a narrow maxilla was treated using a transpalatal distractor (TPD). Transpalatal distraction is a technique for orthopedic maxillary expansion, in which distraction osteogenesis is used. In this technique, the angulation and location of the TPD are critical because they may affect the ratio of skeletal/dental expansion. Any incorrect placement of a TPD may also damage the surrounding blood vessels and premolar roots. This case report introduces a new and easy method for the accurate placement of a TPD using the TPD transporter in an adult patient. © 2007 by The EH Angle Education and Research Foundation, Inc.