Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1105-1109, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Maxillary arch dimensions after palatal surgery at different ages on beagle dogs
M. G. Wijdeveld, E. M. Grupping, A. M. Kuijpers-Jagtman and J. C. Maltha
Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Changes of maxillary arch dimensions were studied longitudinally until
maturity, after palatal surgery was performed on 37 beagle dogs at
different ages. The dogs were divided into three experimental groups, a
sham group, and a control group. At the age of 6, 16, or 25 weeks in the
experimental groups, we created a soft-tissue cleft in the medial region of
the palate, made relaxation incisions, and elevated and closed the
mucoperiosteum in the midline, thus leaving two areas of denuded bone
adjacent to the dentition. We made dental casts regularly until the age of
37 weeks, and studied maxillary arch dimensions. Surgery performed before
or during the transition of teeth did not change maxillary arch dimensions
in the deciduous dentition, but after the transition, the increase in arch
width in the pre-molar region was reduced. Surgery performed after
completion of the permanent dentition did not change maxillary arch
dimensions. Delay of palatal surgery until the transition of teeth was
completed favored normal development of the maxillary dental arch.
