Orthodontic Treatment Does Not Affect Frontal Sinus Development in Female Adults: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Frontal sinus growth is gradual and lasts until post-puberty. However, the influence of biomechanical stimuli, such as orthodontic treatment, on frontal sinus development after the growth period has ended remains unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of orthodontic treatment on the frontal sinus morphology of adult females. Sixty women were included and divided into three groups, based on the Frankfort mandibular plane angle. All participants underwent computed tomography and lateral cephalometry before and after treatment. Although two participants exhibited frontal sinus agenesis, most exhibited a bilaterally symmetric frontal sinus without fusion. The frontal sinus width and height were almost similar, irrespective of the vertical skeletal pattern, where the frontal sinus depth was significantly larger in the average mandibular plane angle group than in the low- and high-angle groups. Furthermore, the sinus volume in the low-angle group was likely smaller than that in the average and high-angle groups. On comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements, minimal or no changes to the frontal sinus dimension were detected after treatment. In conclusion, orthodontic treatment did not affect frontal sinus development after the end of growth.

Keywords: computed tomography; frontal sinus; orthodontic treatment; paranasal sinus.

Figure 1

Angular (A) and linear (B) measurement items for lateral cephalometric analyses. (A) 1—SNA angle, 2—SNB angle, 3—ANB angle, 4—facial angle, 5—Y-axis, 6—gonial angle, 7—FMA, 8—occlusal plane angle, 9—palatal plane angle, 10—U1 to SN, 1—interincisal angle, 12—IMPA, 13—FMIA. (B) 1—SN, 2—overbite, 3—overjet, 4—Wits appraisal, 5—N-Me, 6—Ar-Go, 7—Ar-Me, 8—Go-Me.

Figure 2

Representative three-dimensional image of the frontal sinus.