The posterior crossbite is the most frequent transverse malocclusion. The Leaf Expander is a new device for maxillary expansion, with light and continuous forces, predetermined by intensity and direction. The L.E. it is similar to an ERP, but the screw compresses Ni-Ti leaf springs which, during deactivation, produce a calibrated expansion. The springs can be reactivated by opening the screw. The results obtained, clinically and radiographically similar to those obtainable with the REP, evaluated on measurements of digital models and CBCT prove the effectiveness, efficiency and ease of use of the Leaf Expander, in the correction of transverse maxillary deficits in the growing patients. It is also known that many malocclusions are accompanied by functional alterations of the stomatognathic system. This explains why functional therapy has been present in the history of Orthodontics since its dawn, through a long path of evolution of concepts and techniques, based on the use of the endogenous forces produced by the stomatognathic system in the exercise of its functions. The introduction of new biocompatible inorganic elastic materials has contributed to the birth of a large number of devices, which together constitute a specific sector of Orthodontics, synthetically defined as Elastodontics.


Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to answer the following question: what are the main environmental factors that influence maxillary deficiency?
After this lecture, you will be able to answer the following question: what modifications can be achieved with exogenous, light, and continuous forces (slow expander)?
After this lecture, you will be able to answer the following question: is it possible to achieve stable anatomo-functional modifications using endogenous forces produced by the stomatognathic system?