Assessment of facial changes after a surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion: case report

Abstract

Objective: To analyze facial changes after surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion using the analysis of Arnett and Bergman. Material and methods: For the Arnett analysis, before and after surgery lateral head fi lms and profi le and frontal facial photographs were obtained to compare changes in soft tissues. All data were measured with an Ormco brand protractor. Results: The most significant changes were: a 7o increase in the nasolabial angle, a 4o increase in the upper lip angle, the upper lip length decreased 1 mm, the upper incisor exposure increased 2 mm. When performing the photographic analysis of the facial thirds and fi fths, these changes were more notorious and it was observed how by modifying the lower third, the aesthetics of the entire face of the patient is affected. These changes gave the patient a younger and more aesthetic appearance. Conclusion: Surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion allows us to observe rapid changes in the facial structures of our patients. In this case changes that improve not only function but also facial aesthetics were observed, such as closure of the nasolabial angle, an increase in the upper lip angle, a decrease in upper lip length and upper incisor exposure.