Resumo (EN)
The transverse maxillary deficiency is characterized by lack of growth of that structure, causing in most of the cases bilateral posterior crossbite, tooth crowding, malformation of the palatal arch, high palatal vault, besides being also related to breathing and phonetic problems. The maxillary atresia aetiology as it is more commonly referred multifatorial is considered and a diagnosis is based fundamentally in clinical characteristics. The indications for surgically assisted maxillary expansion include: transverse maxillary deficiency with maxillomandibular discrepancy larger than 5mm; failed orthodontic or orthopedical expansion; significant bone maturity and presence of gingival recession in canine-premolar region. The suitable treatment for the maxillary atresia in adult individuals is the rapid maxillary expansion, in this paper we discussed the difficulties associated to different surgical techniques and presented a case of rapid maxillary expansion correction with Fort / subtotal.