Miniscrew-assisted slow expansion of mature rabbit sutures.

Introduction: In this study, we experimentally evaluated whether complex, mature sutures can be separated using skeletal anchorage and light, continuous forces.

Methods: Twelve adult, 8- to 9-month-old female New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to 1 control group and 2 experimental groups. Open-coil nickel-titanium springs delivered constant forces of 100 g across the sagittal suture to miniscrew implants placed bilaterally in the frontal bone.