Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
Evaluating interactions of airway changes during growth with orthodontic treatment
Riyad Al-Qawasmi1, Brittany Swiderski1, Richard Kaczynski1
1University of Detroit Mercy, Department of Orthodontics, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate changes in the pharyngeal airway volume in adolescents treated with fixed orthodontic appliances compared to matched untreated adolescents and to assess its impact on airflow resistance.
Materials And Methods:
The sample consisted of 16 adolescents (mean start age of 11 years 3 months) who had started and completed treatment at the orthodontic department of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dental Medicine. This group was compared to a control that consisted of 16 adolescents (mean start age 12 years) who had two CBCTs with no treatment in between for the purpose of regular orthodontic evaluation. Differences in airway volume, length, minimum cross-sectional area, and the average cross-sectional area were calculated.
Results:
The results indicated that the airway volume increased by 39% and was a statistically significant change (P<0.05). Regarding the influence on airflow resistance, the change in cross sectional area was significant in the group treated with fixed orthodontic appliances (P<0.03).
Conclusion:
Adolescents treated with fixed orthodontic appliances do experience an increase in airway volume, as well as a decrease in airway resistance to airflow compared to that in normal growth.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...

