Evaluation of Soft Tissue and Airway Changes in Individuals Treated with Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal...

Mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is gradually becoming the treatment of choice to correct the transverse dimension, exceeding the limitations of conventional RME devices. One of the key factors for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning apart from a stable occlusion is a balanced and aesthetic facial profile that is influenced by maxillary expansion. Similarly, it also affects the anatomy and physiology of the nasal cavity since nasal airflow is a continuous stimulus for lowering of the palate and for lateral maxillary growth. Hence, there is a need to conduct further research on the effects of MARPE on the facial soft tissues as well as the airway, enabling the orthodontist to reach a more accurate diagnosis as well as aid in the treatment planning process.

This retrospective three-dimensional study was planned and designed with the objective of measuring facial soft tissue and airway changes in individuals treated with mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) using CBCT.

This study was carried out on CBCT records of 10 patients in the age group of 18-30 years. These records were then imported into Romexis software and calibrated. The facial soft tissue and airway parameters were measured for each individual at selected landmarks and compared before and after expansion.

Statistically significant differences in the soft tissue parameters were observed, which included an increased H-angle, increased soft tissue subnasal to H-line and a decreased soft palate surface area after MARPE.