No abstract

The function of respiration is highly relevant to orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Significant relationships between pharyngeal, craniofacial as well as dentofacial structures have been reported in several studies. Many authors have emphasized that mouth breathing is concomitantly associated with constricted airway causing obstructive sleep apnoea. Associated symptoms can be cured with correction of either skeletal or dental problems or both. Therefore it would be very intriguing to understand and interpret the airway during diagnosis and treatment planning for a clear view of changes in the airway dimensions during the course of orthodontic treatment using various treatment modalities. Therefore a complete understanding of the concept of airway should be considered as an important one. This chapter gives us an insight to the intricate detailing on how the various orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment signifies the changes in the dimensions of pharyngeal airway.

Introduction: The largest sinus is the maxillary sinus. The growth and development commence during fetal development (3rd Month) by the infundibulum present on ethmoid bone. Post birth, it expands in the lateral direction during the growth spurt period (Birth - 3 years and 7 - 12 years). Aim/Objectives: The aim was to determine the relation of mandibular body length with the area dimensions of the maxillary and frontal sinus using digital lateral cephalogram. Materials and Methods: 60 Digital lateral cephalograms were equally divided to form 3 groups of Class I, Class II, Class III patients comprising 20 each with equal inclusion of male and female patients. The Dolphin 2017 software was used to calculate the area dimensions and individual variables of both the paranasal sinuses, mandible size and both cranial bases with their growth pattern. Results: Class III malocclusion showed greater dimensions and surface area compared to those in other groups. Mandibular body length showcased a positive correlation to the sinus dimensions. Results obtained showed that the mean value of frontal sinus area for Class I was 335.59 mm2, Class II was 257.64 mm2 and Class III was 393.82 mm2. The mean value of maxillary sinus area for Class I was 973.70 mm2, Class II was 690.48 mm2 and Class III was 1078.75 mm2. Males showed greater values than the female group. Conclusion: Class III malocclusion showed higher values for dimensions and surface area compared to the other sample groups. Values calculated had a positive relation with both the cranial bases and mandibular body size.

With the Global Pandemic of COVID-19 chewing up the headlines and our lives, Dentistry has come to an abrupt standstill. COVID-19 with its affection to salivary glands reforms in orthodontic clinical practice in all aspects from doctor to patient to clinic personnel all will have to change. This article entails just that, the precautions and change in mindset are just the stepping stones to a better and more importantly, a safe practice