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Comparing Airway Analysis in Two-Time Points after Rapid Palatal Expansion: A CBCT Study
Ioannis A Tsolakis1,2, Olga-Elpis Kolokitha1
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Background:
The aim of this study is to investigate the upper airway analysis at two-time points after the rapid maxillary expansion was performed, using cone-beam computed tomography.
Methods:
Subjects from the Orthodontic Department at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite were screened according to the selection criteria. A sample size calculation was performed, and a total of 14 subjects were recruited. All subjects received a rapid maxillary expansion with a Hyrax-type device as part of their comprehensive treatment. A CBCT was taken before the treatment (T1), immediately after the expansion was completed (T2), and 6 months after (T3). Their upper airway was measured using the CBCT images. Airway volume (V) and minimal cross-sectional area (MCS) were extracted and compared using SPSS to analyze the means.
Results:
A statistically significant difference was found between all time points regarding both V and MCS (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in both V and MCS measurements immediately after RPE expansion (T1-T2) and six months after expansion (T1-T3). Between the end of expansion and 6 months after (T2-T3), there was a decrease in V and no statistical difference in MCS.
Conclusions:
RPE can significantly increase the volume and minimal cross-sectional area of the nasal passage airway.
