An AI-Assisted Digital Workflow for Clinical Planning and Guide Fabrication in Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Purpose: This article introduces a digital workflow for creating a miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE) guide, to virtually determine the proper MARPE position and to precisely transfer it into the reality. Materials and Methods: A digital workflow was established by the following steps: (1) generating a digital model with palatal soft tissue from the digital scan, (2) isolating teeth on the digital model from the CBCT file for band size try-in using AI software (DentalSegmentator), (3) constructing a model with four parallel cylinders simulating the MARPE screws’ pathways, (4) superimposing the three models to determine the proper MARPE position, (5) 3D printing the model with cylinders guide and separated teeth for band try-in, (6) fitting the band and MARPE on the digital model, and sending it to the dental laboratory for soldering the MARPE extension arm with band. Conclusion: The MARPE guide helps clinicians achieve three key objectives: (1) Precise MARPE and minisrew positioning, and screw length decision to reduce the MARPE failure rate; (2) Reduce clinical visit frequency of patient and reduce the try-in fitness problem of MARPE for saving chair time; (3) Achieve 3D communication between doctor and dental technician.