The design, fabrication, and use of a full-coverage bonded rapid maxillary expansion appliance.

A detailed design and step-by-step construction of a bandless indirectly fabricated and bonded rapid maxillary expansion appliance are presented. Four case reports demonstrate the use of the appliance in routine correction of posterior crossbite; in simultaneous correction of anterior crossbite, especially useful in cleft palate treatment; in combination with maxillary protraction; and in pre-expansion osteotomy cases. Various modifications of the basic appliance make it useful in treating a variety of orthodontic problems. Three of the cases reported have tantalum bone markers for enhanced ascertainment of orthopedic effect.