Rapid arch expansion in cleft lip and palate children: comparison between fan-shaped expander and hyrax-type expander by using cone beam computed tomography

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of rapid palatal expansion (RPE) in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) treated with 2 expanders. Methods: Twenty Egyptian children with complete unilateral or bilateral CLP exhibiting maxillary transverse deficiency were divided randomly into 2 groups according to the appliance used for expansion: (A) fan expander group and (B) hyrax expander group. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were taken before and immediately after expansion procedure. Results: There was non-significant vertical movement of the maxilla for the 2 groups. On the transverse plane, there was more anterior expansion and posterior restriction for the fan group. However, the hyrax group showed significant posterior as well as anterior expansion. Both groups showed significant tipping between both sides posteriorly and anteriorly. Mandibular expansion was non-significant. Conclusion: Fan expander showed better results for children with cleft palate requiring anterior expansion only. Hyrax expander is better used for cases seeking for posterior and anterior expansion.