3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two types of maxillary expanders used to widen the upper jaw in children aged 8 to 13 years with maxillary transverse deficiency. This trial compares a traditional expander made by hand in a laboratory to a newer expander designed on a computer and produced with 3D printing technology. The goal is to determine if the 3D-printed expander is as effective as the conventional one while potentially offering greater comfort to the patient. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group receives the conventional laboratory-made Hyrax expander, and the other group receives the 3D-printed Hyrax expander. Both devices are used in the orthodontic clinic to treat upper jaw expansion. The treatment period includes follow-up visits over six months where dental photos, X-rays, and scans are taken to monitor progress. Patients and their parents or guardians will also complete online questionnaires about quality of life and pain experienced at various times during the study. During the study, participants will attend regular clinical visits for standard orthodontic follow-up, including photos, X-rays, and dental scans to assess the expander's effects. Researchers will measure changes in the midpalatal suture opening, interincisal diastema width, molar inclination, and maxillary arch widths after two weeks. Pain perception and oral health-related quality of life will also be evaluated using specific pain scales and questionnaires. This study lasts six months, with ongoing monitoring of treatment progress and patient comfort.

3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders