Three-dimensional evaluation of airway volume changes in two expansion activation protocols

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Development
• Airway Physiology

Background:

• Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a common orthodontic treatment.
• Understanding the impact of RME activation rates on airway dimensions is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare airway volume changes following RME using different daily activation rates.
• To determine if a faster RME protocol leads to greater volumetric increases in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 40 RME cases was divided into two groups based on activation rate (0.8mm/day vs. 0.5mm/day).
• 3D imaging was performed before and 3 months after expansion.
• Dolphin imaging software analyzed airway volumes; statistical tests compared outcomes.

Main Results:

• Both RME groups showed significant increases in nasal cavity volume.
• A faster activation rate (0.8mm/day) resulted in a significant increase in nasopharynx volume.
• Significant differences favoring the faster RME group were observed in post-treatment nasal cavity volume, nasopharynx volume, and soft palate area.

Conclusions:

• A more rapid RME activation rate leads to greater increases in nasal cavity and nasopharynx volume.
• Faster RME protocols may offer enhanced benefits for airway dimensions compared to slower protocols.