Rapid Maxillary Expansion: From Clinic to Benchtop and Beyond
Thursday, February 19, 2026 (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) (CST)
Description
Date & Time: February 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET
Speakers: Dr. Wenjing Yu, DMD, PhD, Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics
CEs: Earn 1 CE
Description:
Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) is a common orthodontic technique used to correct transverse discrepancies in clinical practice. This session will begin with real-world clinical cases and explore the challenges encountered during RPE therapy. Using insights from a translational mouse expansion model, Dr. Yu will discuss new directions for improving patient outcomes and deepening our understanding of expansion therapy.
Learning Objectives:
- Review different types of expanders and their clinical applications
- Identify common challenges and adverse effects in RPE therapy
- Examine key anatomical considerations during the expansion process
- Discuss complications of MAPRE and SAPRE
About Tasha:
Dr. Wenjing Yu is a board-certified orthodontist and faculty member in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she serves as Associate Director of the Pre-doctoral Orthodontic Program. She specializes in a wide range of orthodontic techniques, including traditional and self-ligating brackets, clear aligners, lingual systems, and TAD-assisted treatments. Her research focuses on craniofacial suture biology, orthodontic force response, and TMJ changes in orthodontic patients. Dr. Yu is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and the International Association for Dental Research.
