INTRODUCTION: Utilization of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is common for the correction of sagittal discrepancies in orthodontic treatment. RME appliances will transmit a compressive force to the periodontal support structures. This resultant force can lead to resorption of the dento-alveolar structures leading to unwanted dental movements. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare changes from a periodontal and root resorption perspective by means of computer tomography with tooth-borne and bonded expanders. METHODS: The sample comprised of cone beam computed tomography and spiral CT images of 41 subjects, 12 to 17 years old, with unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbites. 20 subjects treated previously with a bonded expander and 21 with a banded expander. Pre and post-treatment images were digitized and landmarks were identified to measure buccal and lingual cortex thickness, alveolar height, root length and angulation by means of a computerized method. RESULTS: RME with banded and bonded expanders have similar effects from periodontal and root resorption perspectives. Changes include increasing thickness of lingual alveolar bone 0.2 to 0.7 mm, decreases in buccal bone width 0.1 to 0.5 mm; and decreases in alveolar height 0.1 to 0.9 mm and root length 0.3 to 1.0mm of each support teeth. CONCLUSIONS: RME with banded and bonded expanders exhibited similar changes post-expansion and these variables should not play a role in selection of the type of device.