THE SYSTEM. Skeletal expansion or Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is undoubtedly the best treatment option for maxillary hypoplasia and/or severe max. crowding. The advantages are obvious and multiple. There is no segmental tilting, there is no evidence of any orthodontic/orthopedic relapse and dental/ periodontal damage is excluded.
Distraction osteogenesis on the other hand is a reliable and recognized technique for generating callus. It readily ossifies and is resistant to any substantial relapse.
The distractor is easy to apply and to remove by the surgeon, easy to activate twice a day by the patient and easy to be monitored by a professional. As least as important, there is an excellent patient compliance, referring to oral comfort and oral hygiene.