MARPE expander activation load with different configurations of extender arms heights: in-vitro evaluation.

Objective: Evaluate the load mini-implants exert on the artificial bone when expanding the MARPE EX in three different extension arm configurations.

Methods: A device simulating the human palate was fabricated and attached to a universal testing machine, for conducting tests with different MARPE expanders (n=5): non-adjustable/control (MARPE SL, Peclab) or with low, intermediate, and high extender arms (MARPE EX, Peclab). The expanders were manually activated until failure of the device occurred, and maximum load values were recorded.