Comparison of Laboratory-Fabricated and 3D-Printed Rapid Maxillary Expansion Appliances

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether two types of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances produce different outcomes in children. RME is a treatment utilized to expand a narrow upper jaw. This study will include children aged 8 to 10 years who need upper jaw expansion during the mixed dentition period (when they have both temporary and permanent teeth). The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Do 3D-printed expansion appliances produce different skeletal and dental changes compared to conventionally fabricated appliances? * Do children feel more comfortable with one type of appliance? * Is there a difference in pain levels or oral hygiene between the two groups? Researchers aimed to compare a conventionally fabricated expansion appliance manufactured in a dental laboratory with a 3D-printed expansion appliance produced digitally to determine whether the method of production affects treatment outcomes and patient comfort. Participants: * Being treated with one of the two expansion appliances (assigned randomly) * Follow a standard activation protocol at home with parental guidance * Attend regular clinic visits during expansion and retention phases * Have dental photographs, X-rays, and digital scans taken before and after treatment * Complete an oral health-related quality of life questionnaire * Rate their pain using a pain scale * Have their oral hygiene measured

NCT Number	NCT07599202
Lead Sponsor	Baskent University
Conditions	Maxillary Constriction
Enrollment	48 participants
Start Date	2025-08-07
Primary Completion	2026-07 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-09 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-20