Immediate impact of rapid maxillary expansion on upper airway dimensions and on the quality of life of mouth breathers

Author(s)

Edna Namiko Izuka ^[1] ; Murilo Fernando Neuppmann Feres ^[2] ; Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Brasil

^[2] Universidade São Francisco - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Dental Press J. Orthod.; v. 20, n. 3, p. 43-49, 2015-06-00.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term tomographic changes in the upper airway dimensions and quality of life of mouth breathers after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). METHODS: A total of 25 mouth breathers with maxillary atresia and a mean age of 10.5 years old were assessed by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a standardized quality of life questionnaire answered by patients' parents/legal guardians before and immediately after rapid maxillary expansion. RESULTS: Rapid maxillary expansion resulted in similar and significant expansion in the width of anterior (2.8 mm, p < 0.001) and posterior nasal floor (2.8 mm, p < 0.001). Although nasopharynx and nasal cavities airway volumes significantly increased (+1646.1 mm3, p < 0.001), oropharynx volume increase was not statistically significant (+1450.6 mm3, p = 0.066). The results of the quality of life questionnaire indicated that soon after rapid maxillary expansion, patients' respiratory symptoms significantly decreased in relation to their initial respiratory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that RME produces significant dimensional increase in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Additionally, it also positively impacts the quality of life of mouth-breathing patients with maxillary atresia. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50585-0 - Analysis of rapid maxillary expansion in mouth breathing patients using cone-beam computed tomography
• Grantee: Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants