Biomechanical Assessment of Maxillary Expansion in a Patient With Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate Through 3D Finite Element Analysis

<i>Objective</i>This study aimed to analyze the stress distribution and displacement generated by bone-borne maxillary expansion in a late adolescent with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using finite element analysis.<i>Design</i>A 3-dimensional finite element model (3DFEM) was obtained from craniofacial bones and maxillary teeth. Seven 3DFEM maxillary expanders were adapted on the palatal slope with a displacement of 0.25 mm per turn.<i>Setting</i>The study used a computational model based on a patient's craniofacial anatomy.<i>Patients, Participants</i>This study included one late adolescent with UCLP.<i>Interventions</i>Seven different bone-borne maxillary expanders were tested, each with a displacement of 0.25 mm per turn on each side of the maxilla.<i>Main Outcome Measure(s)</i>The primary outcomes measured were stress distribution and displacement within the craniofacial structure.<i>Results</i>The highest stress and displacement were generated by devices with Temporary Anchorage Devices and occurred at the cleft side. Maximum stress was observed in the zygomatic-maxilla interface of all analyzed devices. The displacement on the transverse plane was greater in the anterior region for most devices, forward on the anteroposterior plane, and downward on the vertical plane.<i>Conclusions</i>Using bone-borne devices in late adolescents with UCLP might be useful for correcting transverse maxillary deficiency.