Uso de aparelhos expansores do tipo modificado em ortodontia: relato de caso clínico

Abstract

The early diagnosis of dental crowding malocclusion, still in the deciduous and mixed dentition phase, supports a possible early treatment. Consequently, it prevents further aesthetic and functional complications to the individual, such as performing extractions. This paper aims to report a clinical case in which a modified Hyrax expander was used in the treatment of a patient with maxillary anterior crowding in mixed dentition. Initially, after making the modified expander appliance, the protocol of 2/4 turn activations was started in the morning and at night, thus, an improvement in the contour of the patient's arch was evident. However, it was observed that the space obtained was not enough to guarantee the correct positioning of the canines. For this reason, the patient underwent rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with a classic Hyrax appliance and, after the retention period, use a 4x2 appliance. The evolution of the case demonstrates an important space gain. Despite this, the patient is still undergoing treatment in order to ensure better results. The use of expanders in mixed dentition becomes an important ally of interceptive orthodontics, with excellent clinical results, which reduces the need for tooth extractions.