Yonsei University · Dentistry
Professor Kee-Joon Lee's research lab specializes in non-surgical orthodontic treatment modalities for skeletal discrepancies, particularly focusing on maxillary expansion using miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE). The lab investigates the biomechanics, skeletal and dental responses, and long-term stability of dental and skeletal changes following expansion, with an emphasis on minimizing relapse and preserving periodontal health. Their work also explores the biological modulation of bone remodeling through targeted molecular interventions, such as RANKL injection, to enhance tooth movement efficiency. The lab integrates clinical trials with translational research to develop effective, minimally invasive alternatives to orthognathic surgery.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Nonsurgical MARME can be a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for young adults with a transverse maxillary deficiency.
Midpalatal suture separation was observed in 90% and 95% of patients in the RPE and MARPE groups, respectively. Both RPE and MARPE groups exhibited significant triangular basal bone expansion and skeletal relapse during consolidation. Under identical amounts of expansion, the MARPE group showed lower decrease in the skeletal, dentoalveolar and periodontal variables after consolidation. The reinforcement of RPE with miniscrews contributes to the maintenance of the basal bone during consolidation
Previously, in the case of malocclusion owing to skeletal discrepancy in adults, the amount of tooth movement was limited since there was no reliable skeletal anchorage device. The only way to treat this case was by repositioning the maxilla and mandible via orthognathic surgery, but most patients are reluctant to undergo surgery owing to the risk and expenses incurred. However, with the current introduction and use of miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices, the entire dental arch can be relo
Local RANKL injection leads to increased osteoclastic activity and facilitates tooth movement, followed by subsequent alveolar bone formation; this implies a reversible transitional acceleration of bone resorption.
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