The orthodontist gave my patient a rapid maxillary expander and then a functional appliance with a headgear component. The patient has achieved an outstanding result! What biological mechanism allows these appliances to work?

MeSH terms

• Cranial Sutures / physiology
• Dental Stress Analysis*
• Extraoral Traction Appliances
• Humans
• Masticatory Muscles / physiology
• Orthodontic Appliances, Functional*
• Palatal Expansion Technique / instrumentation*
• Palate, Hard / physiology