Transverse expansion of the maxilla using a multisegmentation technique.

In a long-term prospective study multisegmentation for transverse widening of the maxilla was followed up to calculate tendency to relapse and clinical outcome. Thirty-six patients were followed up for 30 months and 13 for 60 months postoperatively. There were no complications after the maxillary operations. Transverse widening varied from 2 mm to 1.5 cm in the posterior part of the maxilla, and was posterior to the canine teeth by a multisegmentation technique in the palatal bone. Although there was a tendency to relapse, which varied from 0.3-0.8 mm in the series, the clinical results are highly satisfactory.