PGCEE MDS 2022: Rapid maxillary expansion is not indicated after:

 # Rapid maxillary expansion is not indicated after:

a) 6 years 

b) 9 years

c) 12 years 

d) 15 years

The correct answer is D. 15 years.

Rapid maxillary expansion should be initiated prior to the ossification of the mid-palatal suture. The time of ossification of the mid-palatal suture is about 16 years in girls and 18 years in boys with a broad range of 15-27 years.

Contraindications of Rapid maxillary expansion:

• Single tooth crossbites

• In adults with severe anteroposterior skeletal discrepancies.

• Vertical growers

• Periodontally weak conditions

The retention period following rapid maxillary expansion should be at least 3 - 6 months.

In slow expansion, the maxillary arch is expanded at a rate of 0.5 - l mm per week.

The forces generated in slow expansion procedures are 2-4 pounds while it is 10-20 pounds (1 pound = 450 gms) in RME.

In rapid maxillary expansion, the treatment is completed in 1-2 weeks whereas in the slow expansion it may take as much as 2-5 months.