Abstract

This focused one-day hands-on workshop is designed for orthodontists and dental professionals seeking a practical and evidence-based introduction to contemporary skeletal expansion techniques.

This intensive program will explore the biological principles, diagnosis, case selection, treatment planning, appliance design, clinical protocols, and management of complications related to Mini-screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE), Mini-screw Assisted Slow Palatal Expansion (MASPE), and Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion (DOME). Participants will gain a clear understanding of the differences, indications, and limitations of each approach, with emphasis on integrating these modalities into modern interdisciplinary practice.

Through lectures, case discussions, and guided practical exercises, attendees will develop confidence in selecting appropriate cases, planning expansion strategies, and understanding the biomechanics and clinical workflow involved in mini screw–assisted expansion. The hands-on component will provide direct experience with appliance components, placement concepts, and protocol-based decision-making, bridging theory with clinical application.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and practical insight needed to apply M.A.P.E. concepts safely and effectively in everyday practice.

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between various expansion modalities, specifically contrasting the clinical indications, biomechanics, and expected outcomes of MARPE, MASPE, and DOME.
• Identify ideal candidates for skeletal expansion by analyzing diagnostic data, including CBCT imaging, to assess mid-palatal suture maturation and cortical bone thickness.
• Master the biomechanical principles of mini-screw placement, focusing on the selection of appropriate insertion sites, screw dimensions, and the importance of bicortical engagement for maximum stability.
• Design and customize expansion appliances based on individual patient anatomy and specific treatment goals, including the choice between tooth-borne, bone-borne, and hybrid designs.
• Implement standardized clinical protocols for the activation, maintenance, and retention phases of skeletal expansion to ensure predictable orthopedic results.
• Recognize and manage potential complications, such as mini-screw failure, soft tissue impingement, asymmetric expansion, and periodontal considerations.
• Apply hands-on technical skills through practical exercises involving the assembly, positioning, and stabilization of M.A.P.E. components.
• Integrate skeletal expansion into interdisciplinary workflows, understanding how these techniques facilitate better outcomes in airway management, orthognathic surgery, and complex orthodontic cases.

Agenda

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