Comparison of nickel titanium and spring jet expander for the maxillary arch expansion

Background: Nickel titanium and spring jet expanders are not compared yet for expansion changes. Aim: To compare maxillary expansion changes using Nickel titanium (NiTi) expander and the Spring Jet (SJ) expanders. Methods: This study comprised 50 patients selected from the Orthodontics Department. Patient's age ranged from 11 to 14 years of either sex with maxillary bilateral posterior cross bite, mild maxillary arch crowding and having maxillary dentition completed from first molar to the opposite molar were selected. The study comprised two treatment groups with 25 patients in each group. The group A received treatment with NiTi expander; the group B with SJ expander. Results: The NiTi appliance widened the palate more and the gain in arch perimeter was more whereas there was less molar tipping, extrusion and distalization by the SJ appliance. Both the expanders produced significant increase in inter-premolar and inter-canine width. Conclusion: Both Nickel Titanium and Spring Jet expanders are equally capable of palatal expansion by relieving posterior cross bite. (author)