Comparing two ways to widen the upper jaw: MARPE versus SARME
Official title: Evaluation of the Effects of Different Rapid Maxillary Expansion Methods on the Nasomaxillary Complex Structures
Run by Bezmialem Vakif University · NCT07326345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The team will test whether mini‑screw–assisted expansion (MARPE) or surgically‑assisted expansion (SARME) better widens the upper jaw and how each method changes nasal and sinus structures in people aged 15 and older with maxillary transverse deficiency.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bezmialem Vakif University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Fatih) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07326345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 15 or older with diagnosed maxillary transverse deficiency and unilateral or bilateral crossbite who have no sinus or craniofacial pathology and can comply with treatment and follow‑up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe facial deformities or craniofacial syndromes, prior orthodontic or maxillofacial surgery, active sinus disease, or inadequate cooperation are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Thirty patients with maxillary transverse deficiency will be assigned to either a MARPE group or a SARME group based on required expansion amount and midpalatal suture ossification. The MARPE group will receive custom hybrid appliances with 2–4 miniscrews placed under local anesthesia, while the SARME group will undergo a Le Fort I osteotomy with an acrylic cap splint under general anesthesia. Appliances will remain in place with a 6‑month retention period, and cone beam CT scans will be taken before treatment and after retention. Radiologic measurements (canal volumes and diameters, maxillary sinus volume, ostium size, nasal breathing volume, and septal deviation) will be compared using Planmeca Romexis software.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MARPE could offer an effective non‑surgical alternative for widening the maxilla in young adults and clarify how each method affects nasal and sinus anatomy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous reports indicate MARPE can be an effective non‑surgical option in young adults, while SARME is an established surgical approach for mature patients.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of maxillary transverse deficiency. * Patients aged 15 years and older. * Presence of unilateral or bilateral crossbite. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe facial deformities or craniofacial syndromes. * History of previous orthodontic treatment. * Existing pathology or history of surgery related to the paranasal sinuses, nasolacrimal system, or orbital cavity. * Inadequate patient cooperation. * History of trauma, or previous maxillofacial/plastic surgery procedures. * Clinical signs or symptoms of maxillary sinus pathology (e.g., maxillary sinus cysts, sinusitis).
Where it's running
-
Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics
Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve Kulaksız, PhD Student
- Email: dtmervekulaksiz@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 539 326 36 16
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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3D-printed versus conventional Hyrax expanders to widen the upper jaw in adolescents
This compares a 3D-printed Hyrax expander with a conventional Hyrax to see which widens the upper jaw better in adolescents with maxillary transverse deficiency.
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3D comparison of maxillary expansion methods in children
This project tests whether the Invisalign Palatal Expander or traditional rapid maxillary expansion better widens the upper jaw in children with maxillary transverse deficiency.
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Comparing 3D-Printed and Laboratory-Fabricated Maxillary Expanders
This study is testing whether a 3D-printed maxillary expander is just as effective and more comfortable than a traditional one for kids aged 8-13 who need orthodontic treatment.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.