Assessing maxillomandibular widths and their correlation with upper airway dimensions: a novel measurement approach

To develop a reliable measurement method, establish reference ranges for maxillary and mandibular widths, and evaluate their correlations with upper airway dimensions in Chinese adults with normal occlusion.

CBCT data from 164 nonsmoking Chinese adults (BMI 18.5-23.9) with normal occlusion (defined by skeletal and dental Class I relationships) were analyzed. Maxillomandibular widths were measured using the Hard Palate Plane (HPP) Analysis, modified-Penn (m-Penn), and Yonsei CBCT methods. Measurement reliability and associations with upper airway dimensions were evaluated using standard statistical analyses.

All 3 methods demonstrated excellent performance (ICC > 0.9). The Yonsei method showed the highest overall consistency. Compared with the m-Penn method, the HPP Analysis showed improved reliability and stable inter- and intra-examiner agreement, while relying less on dental landmarks. Method-specific reference ranges were established for maxillary (43.0-75.1 mm) and mandibular (44.1- 65.2 mm) widths with maxillary widths across the 3 methods. Maxillomandibular widths positively correlated with multiple upper airway width and volume parameters.

HPP CBCT Analysis provides reliability comparable to established methods, greater clinical versatility and clinically meaningful reference values, for diagnostic assessment of transverse discrepancies and upper airway-related conditions.