Oral health-related quality of life after rapid maxillary expansion in children:

Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the impact of interceptive orthodontic treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with maxillary atresia. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven children, mean age 9.1 years, with maxillary atresia and posterior crossbite underwent RME. The OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Evaluation time intervals were: T0, initial; T1, stabilization day; T2, 3 months after T1; T3, immediately after expander removal (6 months of retention) and T4, 3 months after T3. Unadjusted multilevel Poisson regression analysis for repeated measures was used to compare general and domains questionnaire scores according to the evaluation time interval. Results: CPQ8-10 total scores decreased by 22% in 3 months, 41% in 6 months and 50% after 9 months of follow-up (p<0.05). The scores for the specific domains decreased significantly over time, with a greater effect being observed after 9 months of follow-up in the domains of functional limitation 66%, emotional well-being 45%, and social well-being 65%. Discussion: There was a decrease in the CPQ8-10 total scores and regarding the specific domains functional limitation, emotional well-being, and social well-being, meaning an improvement in OHRQoL in patients after RME. Conclusion: From T1 to T3, there was a decrease in the CPQ8-10 general and specific domains scores, indicating a gradual improvement in OHRQoL in children treated with RME.