Assessment Of Changes In Upper Airway Following Maxillary Expansion Using Cbct - Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: RME can significantly enlarge nasal cavity volume and lower airflow resistance, thereby improving nasal breathing efficiency. Enhanced nasal patency following RME may contribute to improved airflow dynamics throughout the upper airway, potentially mitigating inspiratory effort and reducing the risk of pharyngeal airway collapse. The objective of this study was to evaluate volumetric changes in the upper airway using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic patients undergoing Rapid maxillary expansion. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patient records which consisted of initial and final CBCT scans, photographs and proper follow up records were selected for the study. All CBCT images were acquired using a standardized iCAT CBCT device (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA). The three-dimensional volumetric measurements were performed using InVivo Dental 5.0.  The oro-pharyngeal, Naso-pharyngeal airway volume and posterior airway space were measured. All measurements were completed by an experienced orthodontist. Results: The present study showed a twofold increase in the NP volume after RME. This finding suggested that RME may be able to improve the breathing pattern by reducing nasal resistance, but further studies are needed to confirm such anatomical and functional correlations. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion showed a significant increase in nasal airway volume but no significant change is observed in the oropharyngeal airway region.