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Review
. 2008 Sep-Oct;74(5):763-769.
doi: 10.1016/S1808-8694(15)31388-4.

Nasal cavity changes and the respiratory standard after maxillary expansion

Tatiana Ramires  1 , Roberto Alcântara Maia  2 , José Roberto Barone  3
Affiliations
Review

Nasal cavity changes and the respiratory standard after maxillary expansion

Tatiana Ramires et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Mandibular cross-sectional deficiency is a dentofacial defect in connection with the narrowing of the mandibular arch width. This abnormality is a significant etiopathogenic factor and it is often associated with nasal breathing difficulties. This atresia may be treated through Rapid Maxillary Expansion or Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion, depending on the patient's age. Both procedures will change the craniofacial structure, especially the nasal cavity.

Aim: Based on literature review, the purpose of this paper was to report the relationship among maxillary expansion, nasal cavity and Nasal Airflow Resistance.

Method: A non-systematic literary review was conducted in search of experimental studies to treat maxillary atresia. Papers considering Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion were included, whereas those using Maxillary Expansion through Segmented Osteotomy were excluded.

Result: Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion cause dentofacial changes, especially in the nasal cavity. Consequently, the nose width enlarges, reducing Nasal Airflow Resistance.

Conclusion: Anteroposterior cephalometric studies show evidence of an enlarged nasal cavity following maxillary expansion.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frontal view of dental occlusion in a patient with maxillary atresia. Note the presence of bilateral posterior crossbite and anterior dental crowding.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cemented Hyrax-type expander apparatus (tooth-borne) on teeth before the maxillary expansion procedure.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cemented Haas-type expander (tooth tissue-borne) on teeth before the maxillary expansion procedure.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Occlusal radiograph of the maxilla after the maxillary expansion procedure. Note the opening of the midpalatal suture.
Chart 1
Chart 1
Mean increase of nasal cavity width measured in postero-anterior cephalometries after rapid maxillary expansiona
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Haas AJ. Rapid Expansion of the maxillary dental arch and nasal cavity by opening the midpalatal suture. Angle Orthod. 1961;31(2):73–90.
    1. Wertz RA. Changes in nasal airflow incident to rapid maxillary expansion. Angle Orthod. 1968;33(1):1–11. - PubMed
    1. Manganello LC, Cappellette M. Tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com palato ogival e com obstrução nasal. Rev Assoc Paul Cir Dent. 1996;50(1):79–81.
    1. Andrade A, Oliveira LCS. Avaliação de deformidade septal por vide-ofibroscopia nasal em pacientes adultos com atresia transversal de maxila. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 2002;68(5):1–11.
    1. Hartgerink DV, Vig PS, Abbott DW. The effect of rapid maxillary expansion an nasal airway resistance. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1987;92(5):381–389. - PubMed

Uncited Reference

    1. Trevisan RA. In: Cirurgia Ortognática. Araújo A, editor. Editora Santos; São Paulo: 1999. Expansão rápida do palato: ortodontia × cirurgia; pp. 213–222.

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