Does rapid maxillary expansion have long-term effects on airway dimensions and breathing?

Three-dimensional evaluation of upper airway following rapid maxillary expansion: A CBCT study

“…9,18,27,28,32,33 The literature shows that patients presenting with maxillary constriction tend to have a higher nasal airway resistance. 34 The present study does not show a difference in nasal air passage volume at T0, but this may be due to the fact that patients with clinically normal respiratory functions for selected for both groups.…”

Immediate effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nasal cavity using Haas-type and Hyrax-type expanders in CBCT

“…Studies evaluating changes in the NC resulting from RME have shown that an increase in nasal dimensions can consistently reduce nasal resistance, improve the respiratory capacity [4,14,16,17,27], and decrease the apnea hypopnea index in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [28]. According to Baratieri, et al [29], in a systematic review, when the midpalatal suture is opened in growing patients, the widening of the nasal cavity is stable over long term. The present study suggests that when RME is performed using Haas-type or Hyrax-type appliances favorable anatomical conditions for nasal function in patients with maxillary atresia can be observed.…”

Treatment Options and Limitations in Transverse Maxillary Deficiency

“…The improved breathing pattern positively affects the craniocervical junction, which has an abnormally large angular measurement in patients with respiratory dys- function. Further research is needed in order to confirm the stability of the observed treatment-induced changes [21] (Fig. 2-4).…”