title: Magical NiTi expander.
abstract: A 24-year-old male patient was referred to our department for expansion of the constricted maxillary arch as a presurgical procedure for the correction of congenital facial disfigurement. On examination, the patient had a convex profile, increased interlabial gap, tongue thrust, limited mouth opening, posterior crossbite, asymmetric 'V'-shaped maxillary arch with severe constriction, crowding of anterior teeth in the maxillary arch and a massive open bite. Radiographic investigations included orthopantomograph and occlusal radiographs. The patient photographs and models were analysed. On careful evaluation, the treatment for maxillary arch expansion was planned with a nickel titanium (NiTi) slow maxillary expander along with fixed mechanotherapy for alignment of teeth. An unexpectedly successful outcome was appreciated from the treatment. An emphasis should be laid on selecting and treating the case of constricted arches with a surgical or non-surgical approach, as expansion can be achieved orthodontically by using NiTi expanders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Al Badar Dental College & Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India. drcgkatti@gmail.com
authors.forename: Chandrika Girish
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Katti
authors.forename: Girish
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Katti
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kallur
authors.forename: Srinivas Rao
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Ghali
mesh_terms: D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000002:abnormalities*; D009532:Nickel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014025:Titanium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C040654:titanium nickelide; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium