Evolution of the Leaf Expander: A Maxillary Self Expander

Many devices have been developed for varying degrees of orthodontic, orthopedic, or mixed maxillary expansion. All of these techniques operate by generating buccal forces on the anchorage teeth. The maxillary morphological reactions are determined by three main factors: age (skeletal maturity) of the patient, amount of force applied (orthodontic or orthopedic), and duration of force application (continuous or intermittent).In 2017, based on our experience with slow maxillary expansion using the Leaf Expander, we introduced the completely preactivated Self Expander. With no need for further activation either in the office or at home, the Self Expander does not rely on patient cooperation. Because the device employs light and continuous forces, it causes no pain even in the early stages of expansion.