MAXILLARY EXPANSION AT HERIDENT – A SMALL PROCEDURE, A BIG TURNING POINT IN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

In modern orthodontics, maxillary expansion using the MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) screw has increasingly proven to be one of the most effective techniques for widening the dental arch, correcting the bite, and avoiding major surgical interventions. In Vietnam, this technique is still relatively new. However, due to its safety, effectiveness, and ability to change facial structure, maxillary expansion is becoming a breakthrough solution in non-surgical orthodontic treatment.

This clinical case at Herident Dental Clinic is a clear testament to the practical effectiveness of this method – a patient initially advised to undergo orthognathic surgery was able to improve his underbite with only maxillary expansion and conventional orthodontics.

1. Overview of the maxillary expansion case at Herident

A 13-year-oldmale patient visited Herident due to difficulty in chewing and aesthetic concerns about his facial appearance. He had previously been taken to several dental clinics and was diagnosed with a severe underbite, which could only be improved through jaw surgery. However, both the patient and his family hoped to find a solution that could improve the bite and facial aesthetics optimally without needing orthognathic surgery.

2. Clinical diagnosis by the doctor

Attending doctor: Doctor Phạm Linh Giang

After examination and assessment, Dr. Giang diagnosed:

• Bilateral Class III malocclusion with 4mm discrepancy
• Negative overjet of 3mm
• Narrow maxillary arch
• Posterior crossbite on the right side

3. Chosen treatment plan

After clinical examination, Conebeam CT scan, and interdisciplinary consultation, the doctor proposed a two-phase treatment plan:

Phase 1: Maxillary expansion with MSE

• Use of the MSE expansion screw, gently placed in about 15 minutes, completely painless.
• Detailed instructions for the family on how to activate the screw at home – simple, easy to perform, and convenient for follow-up.

Goal: Widen the upper arch, improve overjet, and resolve posterior crossbite.

Phase 2: Full-mouth braces
After achieving the desired expansion, standard titanium braces were applied to both arches.

The MEAW technique was used to align the arches, adjust the bite, and correct the midline.

4. Treatment outcome after phase 1 and next steps

After just over a month using the expansion screw, the patient’s condition significantly improved:

• nderbite corrected: Overjet improved from -3mm to +1mm, upper incisors now overlapped lower incisors – achieving a physiological bite.

• Maxillary arch expanded by 6mm compared to baseline – creating more space in the arch and fully resolving the posterior crossbite.

The patient continues orthodontic treatment with fixed braces and the MEAW technique. All bite indices, facial symmetry, and smile aesthetics will be closely monitored and adjusted in each phase to ensure optimal and long-term treatment outcomes.

This case of a 13-year-old patient at Herident clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of MSE maxillary expansion in treating underbites without jaw surgery. This is a safe, minimally invasive treatment direction that brings about significant changes – especially for patients in their growth phase

Herident Dental Clinic specializes in orthodontics, interdisciplinary treatment, and implant placement, with a focus on non-surgical, minimally invasive solutions that still ensure maximum effectiveness. With a team of experienced doctors and advanced technology systems, Herident is a trusted choice for both domestic and international patients seeking safe, aesthetic, and sustainable dental treatment.