Upper arch expansion and spontaneous upper first molar distorotation with Ni–Ti leaf springs and rapid maxillary expander compared to clear aligners

Key Points

• The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different orthodontic appliances on dental expansion and molar rotation.
• Compared dentoalveolar expansion levels between clear aligners and rapid maxillary expanders.
• Assessed spontaneous molar distorotation using Ni–Ti leaf springs and compared with planned outcomes.
• Utilized clinical measurements to analyze the effects of each intervention.
• Dentoalveolar expansion levels were comparable between clear aligners and maxillary expanders.
• Spontaneous distorotation of the upper first molar was similar with leaf springs and planned with clear aligners.
• Distorotation with rapid maxillary expander was significantly less than with other methods.