Early prevention of malocclusion with use of removable maxillary expander: A clinical case report

Premature extraction of deciduous teeth without space maintenance can cause malocclusion. This case report describes a 10-year-old female who developed space loss following early extraction of a deciduous molar. Clinical examination and radiography revealed a narrow maxilla and mesially angulated canines. A removable, tooth-borne rapid maxillary expander was used to restore space and maxillary width, guiding eruption and preventing canine impaction. The case demonstrates the benefits of early interceptive orthodontic intervention and highlights the practical value of removable appliances in resource-limited clinical settings.