Rapid-maxillary-expansion induced rhinological effects: a retrospective multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Development
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Conventional dental-borne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is known to widen airways and improve nasal breathing.
• The efficacy of newer combined skeletal-dental appliances on airway expansion remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether combined skeletal-dental appliances improve airway expansion compared to conventional RME.
• To evaluate the impact of different RME appliance types on airway volume changes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans from 31 patients (average age 14.63 years).
• Scans were taken before (T0) and immediately after (T1) RME to assess changes over 25 days.
• Patients were treated with Hyrax RME, Hybrid RME, or acrylic cap RME.

Main Results:

• Total airway volume significantly increased by an average of 11.54% (P < 0.001).
• Nasopharynx and oropharynx showed highly significant expansion (P < 0.000).
• Laryngopharynx airway volume did not change significantly (P > 0.779).
• Positive rhinological effects were comparable across different RME appliances, despite older age in the Hybrid RME group.

Conclusions:

• Rapid maxillary expansion effectively increases overall airway volume, particularly in the nasopharynx and oropharynx.
• Hybrid RME is a viable option for patients with nasomaxillary impairment and advanced age, offering comparable results to other RME types.
• Further research may explore long-term effects and specific patient selection criteria for different RME appliances.