Metal-free Palatal Expansion: A Case Report

AIM The aim of this study is to illustrate a new concept for approaching maxillary expansion with a metal-free fixed automatic appliance. METHODS ZeroExpander® in PA12 is a complete CAD-CAT full digital and automatic metal-free fixed device. It is designed to expand the maxilla in a pre-programmed automatic way using deciduous teeth as anchorage. PA12 is a biocompatible, lightweight, and durable material with thermal stability up to 185°C. Due to its higher flexural strength compared to other polymers, PA12 ensures effective and controlled expansion without requiring patient compliance. To present this innovative system, we illustrate a clinical case of a 6-year-old girl with a transverse palatal deficiency, left-side crossbite, and mixed dentition. RESULTS At the end of the treatment, a new intraoral scan was performed to compare it with the initial situation. The intercanine diameter, the distance between the palatal cusps of the deciduous molars, and the permanent molars were compared. The achieved intercanine diameter (31.29 mm) is greater than the initial diameter (26.16 mm) but smaller than the planned one (34.24 mm). At the level of the second deciduous molars, the achieved expansion (38.15 mm) is greater than both the planned expansion (36.18 mm) and the initial measurement (32.50 mm). CONCLUSIONS
Despite minor discrepancies between the planned and final outcomes, ZeroExpander® proved to be an effective device for correcting palatal deficiency and crossbite.