A patient with unilateral posterior crossbite treated with modified unilateral surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion

In the present case, unilateral posterior crossbite with narrow maxillary arch was treated successfully with modified unilateral surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). The patient, a female aged 23 years and 4 months, was diagnosed with unilateral posterior crossbite due to transverse maxillary deficiency. After 1 year and 4 months of treatment with segmental arches and anchor miniscrew, modified unilateral SARME was performed. A total lateral expansion of 8.5 mm at the right maxillary posterior segment was completed without unwanted overcorrection of the unaffected side. Subsequently, 46 months of treatment with multibracket appliances achieved an acceptable and stable occlusion with no or minimal relapse through a 2-year retention period. In conclusion, modified unilateral SARME might be useful to improve unilateral posterior crossbite in mature patients without unwanted adverse effects.

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