Abstract

Early Dinamic Diagnosis and “Taylor Made” Therapy of Transverse Maxillary Deficiency in Growing Patients

by Lanteri Valentina

Maxillary transverse deficiency is one of the most frequent skeletal alterations in growing patients. If not intercepted early, it may lead to dentoalveolar compensations, respiratory dysfunctions, postural imbalances, and long-term skeletal asymmetries. Early diagnosis is therefore crucial not only for therapeutic success but also for preventing complex functional and structural issues. In recent years, the clinical approach has evolved toward a dynamic diagnosis that goes beyond morphological assessment through cephalometric analysis or dental casts, integrating functional parameters (breathing, swallowing, posture) and real-time evaluation of orofacial structures. The collaboration between orthodontist, ENT specialist, speech therapist, and physiotherapist is essential for an effective multidisciplinary framework. This presentation introduces a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol aimed at the early identification of maxillary transverse deficiency by combining clinical examination, digital imaging, 3D technologies, and functional assessments. The goal is to determine the optimal timing and the most suitable type of expansion. Various “Taylor Made” therapeutic approaches will be presented, based on the patient’s age, sex, skeletal maturity, and functional characteristics. Clinical cases treated with conventional and functional expanders will be discussed, highlighting improvements in arch development, upper airway patency, and long-term occlusal and postural stability. Clinical data and long-term follow-ups demonstrate that an individualized approach based on dynamic and interdisciplinary diagnosis leads to stable, harmonious, and functionally effective outcomes, reducing the risk of relapse and the need for more invasive treatments in the future.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to identify the clinical and functional signs of maxillary transverse deficiency in growing patients through a dynamic and multidisciplinary diagnostic approach.
After this lecture, you will be able to select the most appropriate individualized therapeutic strategy (“Taylor Made”) based on age, skeletal maturity, and functional profile of the patient.
After this lecture, you will be able to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of different expansion protocols, including their long-term stability and impact on airway and posture.