Williams expander: step-by-step procedures

Vol. 16 – Number 62 – 2023 Na Visão D’elas Page 90-96 Williams expander: step-by-step procedures Daniela Garib1 Henrique Campos Eto2 Beatriz Quevedo3 Luiz Sergio Vieira4 Ana Cláudia de Castro Ferreira Conti5 Abstract Mild to moderate crowding in the mixed dentition can be treated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) associated with dentoalveolar expansion of the mandibular arch. Dentoalveolar expansion of the mandibular arch can be conducted with an alternative fixed and screw appliance. The aim of this study is to present the laboratory and clinical protocol of the Williams expander. A clinical report of a female patient, 9 years old, with the symmetrical face in the mixed dentition, with moderate crowding of the lower incisors and mild crowding of the upper arch, was presented. The treatment was carried out with maxillary and mandibular expansion. In the maxillary arch, RME was performed using the Hyrax device. In the mandibular arch, dentoalveolar expansion was performed with a Williams expander. Adequate occlusion was obtained with the alignment of the permanent incisors and an improvement in the buccal corridor in the smile. The Williams expander represents an alternative for cases that require dentoalveolar mandibular expansion, regardless of patient cooperation. When properly constructed, the expander is comfortable and effective. Descriptors: Preventive Orthodontics, interceptive Orthodontics, malocclusion, case reports. 1 Graduated in Dentistry, Master and PhD in Orthodontics, Professor at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health – FOB HRAC-USP. 2 Graduated in Dentistry, Master and PhD student in Orthodontics. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health – FOB-USP. 3 Graduated in Dentistry, Master’s student in Orthodontics. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health – FOB-USP. 4 Graduated in Dentistry, Specialist in Orthodontics. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health – FOB-USP. 5 Graduated in Dentistry, Master and PhD in Orthodontics. Professor at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health – FOB-USP. DOI: 10.24077/2023;1662-02230289e2