Abstract:

Objective: Widening the inter-maxillary suture is a preferred procedure in orthodontics. However, relapse can occur in some patients after maxillary expansion therapy. This study aimed to increase bone formation in the inter-maxillary suture and decrease retention time with the help of grape seed extract (GS), which can stimulate bone tissue formation. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty rats were separated into the following two groups (n=20): the control group (group C) comprised rats that received only maxillary expansion therapy, and the other group (group GS) comprised rats that received maxillary expansion therapy along with GS. The grape seeds were systemically administered using an orogastric tube after maxillary expansion in group GS. Expansion springs were placed and activated to produce force. The springs were taken from the mouth 5 days later and exchanged with short rectangular wires for retention. This retention wire was placed for 12 days. Results: Significant differences were found in the percentage of newly formed bone (p<0.05) and bone area (p<0.05) between the two groups. Moreover, group GS had better bone formation than group C. Conclusion: Systemic use of GS during the stages of the orthopaedic expansion of the inter-premaxillary suture area increases newly formed bone and decreases the retention time.

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