Upper airway cavities morphologic features in facial asymmetries
Elina Teodorescu1, Matei Crişan, Viorica Ţărmure
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; elinateodorescu@yahoo.com.
Summary
Facial asymmetries impact cranio-facial structures and upper airway cavities. While narrowed nostrils and larger sinuses were observed on underdeveloped sides, their compensatory role remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology and its impact on respiratory function.
Background:
- Facial asymmetries, stemming from genetic, environmental, and dysfunctional factors, significantly affect cranio-facial structures and the dento-maxillary complex.
- These asymmetries are present in all craniofacial structures, including upper airway cavities, potentially influencing overall growth and respiratory function.
Observation:
- The study investigated morphological correlations between upper airway cavity changes and facial asymmetries.
- Observations revealed narrowed nostrils and nasal fossae on the underdeveloped side of facial asymmetries.
- Additionally, paranasal sinuses were frequently found to be larger on the underdeveloped side.
Findings:
- While specific morphological changes in upper airway cavities associated with facial asymmetry were observed, a definitive correlation was not established.
- The study could not determine if these changes were a direct result of asymmetry, a compensatory mechanism, or a combination thereof.
Implications:
- Understanding these morphological changes is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions related to craniofacial asymmetry and respiratory function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationships and compensatory mechanisms involved in upper airway alterations due to facial asymmetry.
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