Analysis of rapid maxillary expansion effects on nasal soft tissues widths

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial development
• Pediatric dentistry

Background:

• Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a common orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbite in growing children.
• Understanding the effects of RME on nasal structures is crucial for assessing long-term outcomes.
• Nasal airway changes are often a secondary consideration in RME therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in nasal soft tissue dimensions following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in prepubertal patients.
• To compare nasal dimension variations between RME-treated patients and an untreated control group.
• To determine the clinical significance of RME-induced nasal changes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 61 prepubertal patients undergoing RME therapy was compared to 41 age-matched controls.
• Nasal soft tissue width measurements, specifically greater alar cartilage (GAC) and alar base (AB), were taken at three time points: before RME, after active expansion, and at expander removal.
• Statistical analysis using ANOVA was performed to assess significant differences between groups and over time.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in greater alar cartilage (GAC) width of approximately 0.8 mm was observed in the RME group (P<0.0001).
• No statistically significant changes were found in alar base (AB) width in the RME group (P=0.0784).
• The observed increase in GAC width was deemed not to be of clinical impact.

Conclusions:

• Rapid maxillary expansion therapy can lead to a small, statistically significant increase in greater alar cartilage width in prepubertal patients.
• The changes in nasal dimensions, particularly alar base width, are not statistically significant and lack clinical relevance.
• RME primarily impacts nasal soft tissue width minimally, with limited clinical implications for nasal form.