Osteogenesis imperfecta and rapid maxillary expansion: report of 3 patients

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of orthopedic therapy with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in growing patients affected by osteogenesis imperfecta and treated with bisphosphonates.Methods: Three boys with osteogenesis imperfecta (mean age, 10.6 years) were treated with RME. They all had treatment with quarterly intravenous infusions of bisphosphonates. They were in either the early or the late mixed dentition and had indications for RME. The expansion screw was activated twice daily until correction of the transverse relationships was achieved. The retention period with the expander in place was 6 months. In 2 Class III patients, RME was associated with the use of a facemask. In all patients, occlusal radiographs were taken at the end of active RME therapy to assess the opening of the midpalatal suture and 1 year after the end of active expansion therapy to evaluate the reossification and reorganization of the midpalatal suture. Results: In all patients, the opening of the midpalatal suture and the healing with reorganization of the midpalatal suture were documented with the occlusal radiographs. No complications were found after a 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: In growing patients affected by osteogenesis imperfecta and treated with bisphosphonates, it is possible to perform RME with a standard protocol with no complications after a 1-year follow-up.