A Comprehensive Literature Review On Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion & Constriction Vs Conventional Rapid Maxillary Expansion Protocol In Protraction Facemask Therapy

The aim of this review article is to highlight the increasing popularity of Alt-RAMEC or Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Constriction procedure. It is a protocol used to correct the transverse maxillary discrepancy. In conjunction with facemask therapy, it can be used to correct the sagittal maxillary discrepancy in Class III malocclusion with a retrusive maxilla. Alt-RAMEC procedure was introduced by Liou in 2005 with the conclusion that the maxilla can be protracted more effectively through a repetitive weekly protocol of alternate expansion and constriction than with a single course of rapid maxillary expansion (RME). The article highlights the comparison of Alt-RAMEC maxillary expansion protocol with conventional RME protocol. This review will discuss the studies which include successful treatments by applying this protocol and differences with other methods.