Effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity dimensions and airway resistance

  • Maria E. Tapia University of Concepción
  • Ursula Brethauer Private Practice
  • Patricio Ulloa University of Concepción
  • Andrea Carcamo Austral University
  • Felipe Culaciati Las Lilas Clinic
Keywords: Oral breathing, rapid maxillary expansion, rhinomanometry, airway resistance, maxillary development

Abstract

Background: Rapid maxillary expansion is a common treatment for posterior cross-bites that has also shown to improve nasal breathing.Methods: Thirteen oral breather patients with posterior cross-bite were studied. Treatment consisted in rapid maxillary expansion with a fully bonded appliance including a bite-block and a hyrax expansion screw. Before and after treatment, CT scans and active anterior rhinomanometry were performed to each patient. Data was analyzed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon statistical test and correlation between palatal expansion and increase of airflow in each patient was assessed.Results: The CT scan showed that transversal dimensions were significantly increased (P<0.001) in most areas after treatment, considering the right and left side separately. Rhinomanometry also showed statistical differences (P<0.001) in all parameters studied when compared before and after treatment. Positive correlation was observed between palatal expansion and increase of airflow.Conclusions: All patients improved oral breathing habit clinically and there is also statistical evidence that the nasal cavity increased its transversal dimensions, measured by CT scan and that patients increased their airflow through the nasal cavity, measured by rhinomanometry.

Author Biographies

Maria E. Tapia, University of Concepción
Associate Professor, School of Dentistry
Patricio Ulloa, University of Concepción
Associate Professor, School of Medicine
Andrea Carcamo, Austral University
Professor, School of Engeneering Sciences
Published
2015-08-28
How to Cite
Tapia, M. E., Brethauer, U., Ulloa, P., Carcamo, A., & Culaciati, F. (2015). Effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity dimensions and airway resistance. International Journal of Integrative Pediatrics and Environmental Medicine, 2, 31-39. https://doi.org/10.36013/ijipem.v2i0.18
Section
Articles