EXPAND — Evidence-based maxillary expansion decision tool

Expansion Device Selector

Digital + File Thursday · Björn Ludwig · Enter all parameters → evidence-based device recommendation + predictability ranking

Diagnostic data level — what do you have?

Without CBCT: suture stage is estimated from CVM, age, sex, vertical pattern and Pano findings. Confidence is shown with result.

Patient

Age (years)

Sex

CVM stage (lateral ceph)

Transverse discrepancy

Deficit MMTDI (mm)

Crossbite type

Upper arch crowding

Clinical + lateral ceph findings

Vertical growth pattern

Palatal form (clinical inspection)

Periodontal status

Pano findings (Level 1)

Suture line visibility on Pano

Bone density impression on Pano

Suture assessment (Level 2 — CBCT)

CBCT available?

Angelieri stage (CBCT only)

Palatal bone thickness (CBCT)

Zygomatic cortical bone thickness (CBCT)

Clinical context

Orthognathic surgery planned?

Previous expansion attempt?

All clinical thresholds derived from peer-reviewed literature. GRADE evidence quality: very low to moderate. Published success rates reflect academic specialist centres. Individual outcomes may deviate.