Transverse Expansion Beyond Adolescence: Separating Evidence from Myth
การขยายมิติแนวขวางหลังช่วงวัยรุ่น: อะไรคือหลักฐาน และอะไรคือความเชื่อ?
Abstract
Transverse maxillary deficiency is a common yet frequently overlooked dimension of the malocclusion. Traditional orthodontic teaching has emphasized children as the primary window for transverse expansion, creating ongoing uncertainty regarding the feasibility and predictability beyond this stage. Advances in appliance design, skeletal anchorage, and three-dimensional imaging have challenged these assumptions and created confusion about the relative contributions of true skeletal versus dentoalveolar effects.
This presentation critically reviews current biological, biomechanical, and clinical evidence related to transverse expansion beyond adolescence. Outcomes associated with conventional rapid palatal expansion (RPE), miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), and aligner-based approaches will be examined, with attention to skeletal maturity, patient selection, and CBCT interpretation. Using a myth-versus-evidence framework, this lecture aims to clarify realistic expectations for transverse correction beyond adolescence.
Learning objectives
- To differentiate skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of transverse expansion beyond adolescence using current evidence.
- To evaluate the indications and limitations of RPE, MARPE/MSE, and aligner-based expansion in late adolescents and adults.
- To apply evidence-based criteria for patient selection and predictability of transverse correction.
Speakers
Dr. Puttipong Sripinun
Education
| - Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics - Doctor of Science in Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania, USA - Residency Training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, University of Pennsylvania, USA - Doctor of Dental Surgery (Hons), Chiang Mai University, Thailand |
Professional Experience
| 2017 - 2018 | Head of the Dental Public Health Department, General Dentist, Bang Saphan Noi Hospital, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. |
| 2018 - Present | Full-time faculty member, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. |
| 2019 - Present | Member, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists Member, American Association of Orthodontists |
| 2020 - 2022 | Research NTP Fellow, Department of Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| 2024 - Present | Member, Thai Association of Orthodontists |
| 2025 - Present | Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA |