Nasal cavity changes and the respiratory standard after maxillary expansion

Area of Science:

• Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Mandibular cross-sectional deficiency, characterized by a narrow mandibular arch, is a dentofacial defect often linked to nasal breathing difficulties.
• Maxillary atresia, a related condition, can be addressed with Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) or Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME), depending on patient age.
• These interventions significantly alter craniofacial structures, particularly the nasal cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and report the relationship between maxillary expansion, nasal cavity dimensions, and nasal airflow resistance.
• To synthesize current literature on the effects of RME and SARME on the nasal airway.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic literature review was performed.
• Included studies focused on experimental treatments for maxillary atresia using RME and SARME.
• Studies employing Maxillary Expansion through Segmented Osteotomy were excluded.

Main Results:

• Both RME and SARME result in dentofacial changes, notably affecting the nasal cavity.
• Maxillary expansion leads to an increase in nasal width.
• The enlargement of the nasal cavity consequently reduces nasal airflow resistance.

Conclusions:

• Cephalometric studies provide evidence that maxillary expansion procedures enlarge the nasal cavity.
• Improved nasal cavity dimensions following expansion correlate with reduced nasal airflow resistance.