A comparison of the quadhelix and the nickel‑titanium palatal expander in the treatment of narrow maxillary arches: A prospective clinical study

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the effects of quadhelix and nickel‑titanium (NiTi) expander appliances on lower facial height, to quantify, and evaluate dentoalveolar and orthopedic changes in transverse plane, respectively, to estimate the difference in changes between these two appliances.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, ten for the quadhelix and NiTi expander in the two‑appliance group, respectively, participated in this study. A total of 8 readings, 1 for clinical facial height, 2 for model analysis, and 5 for posteroanterior cephalometric analysis were recorded. The statistical tests used were, Student’s unpaired and paired t ‑tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study infers that both appliances are equally efficacious maxillary expanders, which are primarily dentoalveolar and not skeletal (p<0.05).