Rapid Palatal Expansion and Utilization of E-space in Mixed Dentition: Mechanics that Helps in the Corrective Orthodontic Treatment

The objective of this article was to report two clinical cases, showing the benefits of interceptive treatment using rapid palatal expansion (RPE) and the preservation of E-space. It is important to follow-up child throughout its development to detect irregularities in their occlusion and to avoid or attenuate orthodontic treatments in the future. Posterior crossbite and transverse maxillary deficiency can easily be corrected by RPE that enhances the width of the maxilla and promotes a gain of space in the arch. Another way to gain space in the arch is by using the E-space, which is the difference between the mesiodistal distance of the second primary molar in relation to the second premolar. This additional space can be used to resolve negative, mild, or moderate crowding. Two clinical cases that presented malocclusions due to lack of space and maxillary deficiency, along with clinical technic of how the RPE and E-space can be used to bring those patients back to normality. We concluded that with a right diagnosis, correct interceptive timing, and using what growth provides, the development can be reestablished. The clinical importance of this report is that RPE and E-space are efficient interceptive orthodontic treatments to correct skeletal posterior crossbite (SPC) and gain space in dental arches. Lopes BKB, Scheicher GV, Matsumoto MAN, Rapid Palatal Expansion and Utilization of E-space in Mixed Dentition: Mechanics that Helps in the Corrective Orthodontic Treatment. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):133-139.