To evaluate the extent of root resorption associated with treatment using acrylic cap splint rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and fan-type rapid maxillary expansion appliances, and to perform a comparative analysis of the two appliances in terms of their effects on root resorption. A total of 40 participants were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two equal groups of 20 individuals each. The first group was treated with an acrylic cap splint appliance, while the second group received a fan-type appliance. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained before treatment (T0) and after a 3-month retention period (T1) were selected from the archive and analyzed using Mimics Innovation Suite 10.01 software for segmentation and volumetric measurements of the relevant teeth. Paired samples and independent sample t-tests were used for statistical comparison. In the group treated with the acrylic cap splint appliance, a statistically significant increase in root resorption was observed across all teeth after the 3-month retention period (T0–T1). In the fan-type appliance group, the highest resorption was noted in the first premolars. Intergroup comparison revealed a statistically significant difference in the first molars and second premolars (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this retrospective CBCT study, the acrylic cap splint appliance was associated with greater root resorption in posterior teeth compared with the fan-type appliance, suggesting that variations in appliance design and force distribution may influence resorption patterns.
Gunes et al. (Sat,) studied this question.