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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Rapid palatal expansion and pharyngeal space. Cephalometric evaluation
Alfio Buccheri1, Giovanni Dilella, Rossella Stella
1S. Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Roma. alfio.buccheri@libero.it
Objectives:
the aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometrically the upper respiratory airway dimensions before and after rapid maxillary expansion.
Materials And Methods:
rapid palatal expansion was performed on 24 5-9 year old children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy determined radiographically by means of lateral cephalographs. Also, the subjects were questioned concerning their ability to breath through their noses.
Results:
there was an increase in upper respiratory width that often coincided with a reported improvement in nasal respiration. Adenoid volume was not reduced.
Conclusions:
the increase in pharyngeal space and improvement in nasal breathing resulted from an increase in pharyngeal lumen enlargement rather than a reduction in the volume of the adenoid tissue.
