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

• Main Authors: Edna Namiko Izuka (Author), Murilo Fernando Neuppmann Feres (Author), Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Dental Press Editora, 2015-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2177-6709; 10.1590/2176-9451.20.3.043-049.oar
• Keywords: Respiração bucal; Expansão rápida da maxila; Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico; Questionário de qualidade de vida; Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, Vol 20, Iss 3, Pp 43-49 (2015)

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.