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ePaper created 2016-04-19, 11:44:05 | version 1.38.0
| industry report palatal expansion screw 32 ortho 1 2016 Trial of a new rapid palatal expansion screw Authors: Drs Gabriele Galassini, Elena Marcuzzi & Paulina Natasa, Italy Introduction Rapidpalatalexpansionhasbeenawell-established procedureinorthodonticpracticeformanyyearsnow. The first expansion was performed in 1860 by Em- erson C. Angell, who, in San Francisco, expanded the maxillaryarchofafourteen-and-a-half-year-oldgirl by a quarter of an inch in 2 weeks and noted the cre- ation of an interincisal diastema, a sign that the ex- pansion of the palatal suture had occurred. This ex- pansion was published in Dental Cosmos San Francisco Medical Press in 1860. Different types of screws and activation protocols have been developed over the years. In the following project, we tested an innovative screw, the characteristics of which allow for safe and effectiveactivation,thequantityofwhichcanbeeas- ily controlled. External examination of the screw (Figs. 1a & b) · · Compactinappearance(7.5x12 mm)withrounded edges and a very smooth structure. · · Thesmallscrewcylinderhasfourteethforprevent- ing return. · · Smallcasingtopreventthescrewfromunwinding. · · Notches for controlling the amount of activation: each notch corresponds to 2 mm of activation. · · Stopping pins which firmly block the (Expander) once opened. This device prevents complete separation of the screw, with its subsequent disconnection and acci- dental opening of the two parts of the Expander. Bench testing (Figs. 2a & b) The opening of the screw with the special key was tested. The direction of activation is clearly indicated Figs.1a & b: External examination of the screw. Fig.2a: Screw activated at 4 mm. Fig.2b: Screw activated at 8 mm – note the stopping device. Fig.1a Fig.2a Fig.1b Fig.2b 12016