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Clinical Trial
. 2015 May-Jun;20(3):43-9.
doi: 10.1590/2176-9451.20.3.043-049.oar.

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

Edna Namiko Izuka  1 , Murilo Fernando Neuppmann Feres  2 , Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari  1
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

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

Edna Namiko Izuka et al. Dental Press J Orthod. 2015 May-Jun.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

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.

OBJETIVO:: avaliar, por meio de tomografias, as mudanças em curto prazo nas vias aéreas superiores e na qualidade de vida em pacientes respiradores bucais, após expansão rápida da maxila (ERM).

MÉTODOS:: foram avaliados 25 pacientes respiradores bucais com atresia maxilar, com idade média de 10,5 anos, por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) e questionário padronizado de qualidade de vida submetido aos pais/responsáveis, antes e imediatamente após a ERM.

RESULTADOS:: a ERM promoveu uma expansão, de forma semelhante e significativa, tanto na largura do soalho nasal anterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001) quanto na largura do soalho nasal posterior (2,8mm, p < 0,001). No volume aéreo da nasofaringe e fossas nasais, houve aumento significativo (+1646,1mm p < 0,001); entretanto, no volume aéreo da orofaringe, houve aumento não significativo (+1450,6 mm p = 0,066). Os resultados do questionário de qualidade de vida indicaram melhora significativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes após a ERM, em comparação ao questionário inicial.

CONCLUSÕES:: a ERM promoveu aumento dimensional significativo nas fossas nasais e na nasofaringe, bem como melhorou significativamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Measurement of A) anterior portion of the nasal floor (ANF) and B) posterior portion of the nasal floor (PNF).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Measurement of VNN: A) limits of the nasopharynx and nasal cavities (green), and B) airway volume calculation (pink).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Measurement of VO: A): Limits of the oropharynx (green), and B): Airway volume calculation (pink).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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