AIM: To evaluate the new bone formation of the midpalatal suture in different phases of the rapid maxillary expansion procedure by means of the scanned image and to compare the radiographic density of the different selected areas along this suture in predetermined periods. METHODS: The sample consisted of 23 individuals, aged from 9 to 12 years who underwent rapid maxillary expansion in accordance with a protocol which consisted initially of a full turn on the screw, followed by ¼ turn by morning and ¼ turn at night for two weeks. Were obtained 69 occlusal radiographs at different phases of the procedure, which passed through the scanning process via scanner and then were subjected to the software Digora for Windows 5.6, to perform the readings of radiographic density. RESULTS: In all phases of the procedure, the values of gray levels were, on average, different from each other, showing partial bone healing of the midpalatal suture. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that are necessary more than three months for complete sutural recovery after the rapid maxillary expansion and that the method used to read the densities proved to be trustworthy, because of its ability to display details. Therefore, it can be concluded that the expander should be removed only after full sutural bone recovery in order to avoid relapses.
Orthodontics; Sutures; Palatal expansion technique; Orthodontics; Imaging diagnostic
