Figure 9: Shown are the post-treatment results for Case 3. skeletal discrepancies may still require orthopedic appli-ances or comprehensive Phase II treatment. Fig. 10 includes a schematic demonstrating midpalatal suture maturation and a decision tree help-ing to classify the maturation stages. 2 cOnclUsiOn Clear aligner therapy planned through the ortho-brain platform and delivered with SimplyClear Aligners appears to be a valuable treatment option for selected Phase I orthodontic patients. In compliant children, aligners may facilitate dentoalveolar expansion, arch development, space management, and eruption guidance while maintaining favorable hygiene and esthetics. Additional prospective studies are warranted to further eval-uate long-term outcomes. rEFErEncEs 1. Angelieri, F., L.H.S. Cevidanes, L. Franchi, J.R.Gonçalves, E. Benavides, and J.A. McNa-mara Jr. “Midpalatal suture maturation: classi-fication method for individual assessment before rapid maxillary expansion.” Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop , 2013 Nov, 144(5): 759–69. 2. Angelieri. Additional References • Proffit, W.R., H.W. Fields, B. Larson, and D.M. Sarver. Contemporary Orthodontics, March 1986, Mosby, Inc. • Graber, L.W., R.L. Vanarsdall, and K.W.L. Vig. Orthodontics: Current Principles and Tech-niques , November 2022, Elsevier. • Kesling, H.D. “The philosophy of the tooth positioning appliance.” Am J Orthod Oral Surg , Volume 31, Issue 6, June 1945: 297–304. • Relevant publications on pediatric aligner therapy and mixed dentition treatment Figure 10: Image A shows a schematic drawing of the maturation stages observed in the midpalatal suture. It is a simplification of the sutural morphology and should not be used for diagnosis. Sutural morphology can vary between stages, and diagnostic criteria are based on the decision tree in image B and the definitions of the five stages. The image is taken from Angelieri and colleagues’ “Midpalatal suture maturation: classification method for individual assessment before rapid maxillary expansion.” This journal contains articles eligible for PACE and CERP Continuing Education Credits. Scan the QR code to the left to complete the CE quiz and purchase your CE credits. AGD Credits will be uploaded to your member portal automatically. 24 Summer 2026 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Summer 2026: Page 24
