Upper Airway Dimensions among Different Skeletal Malocclusions: A Retrospective Observational Study by Cephalometric...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Anatomy

Background:

• Upper airway dimensions are crucial for respiratory function.
• Skeletal discrepancies can influence craniofacial and airway anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate upper airway dimensions in adult patients across different skeletal classes.
• To determine correlations between skeletal morphology and airway size.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of 120 adult lateral cephalometric radiographs.
• Cephalometric tracing and measurements using dedicated software.
• Statistical analysis including descriptive statistics, comparisons between skeletal classes, and linear regressions.

Main Results:

• Skeletal class III patients showed significantly shorter nasopharynx length and depth.
• Superior pharyngeal airway space was shorter in class III vs. class II.
• Mean airway space was shorter in class I vs. class II patients.
• Palate length was longer in class I patients.
• Sella-nasion-A point angle (SNA) and ANB angle significantly influenced nasopharynx dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Adults with skeletal class III malocclusion present with significantly reduced nasopharynx dimensions.
• Clinicians should consider potential upper respiratory tract anatomical alterations in skeletal class III patients.
• Sagittal discrepancies are linked to variations in upper airway anatomy.