Comparing Airway Analysis in Two-Time Points after Rapid Palatal Expansion: A CBCT Study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Imaging
• Airway Analysis

Background:

• Posterior crossbite often necessitates orthodontic intervention.
• Assessing upper airway changes after rapid maxillary expansion is crucial for treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate upper airway dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at two time points post-rapid maxillary expansion (RPE).
• To analyze changes in airway volume (V) and minimal cross-sectional area (MCS) after RPE.

Main Methods:

• 14 subjects with posterior crossbite underwent RPE using a Hyrax-type device.
• CBCT scans were acquired before (T1), immediately after (T2), and 6 months after (T3) expansion.
• Airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area were measured and statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases in airway volume (V) and minimal cross-sectional area (MCS) were observed from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 (p < 0.001, p = 0.001).
• Between T2 and T3, airway volume decreased, while minimal cross-sectional area showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

• Rapid maxillary expansion is effective in significantly increasing nasal passage airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area.
• The observed airway improvements indicate a positive impact of RPE on nasal breathing.