Comparing two ways to widen the upper jaw: MARPE versus SARME
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Rapid Maxillary Expansion Methods on the Nasomaxillary Complex Structures
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bezmialem Vakif University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Fatih) |
| Trial ID | NCT07326345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Previous reports indicate MARPE can be an effective non‑surgical option in young adults, while SARME is an established surgical approach for mature patients.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Istanbul, Fatih
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.