The Effects of Maxillary Protrusion on Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions

Abstract

Aim:The relationship between position of the maxillary structures caused by maxillary protraction therapy and airway dimensions has not been investigated as comprehensively as the skeletal changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of treatment with a maxillary protraction appliance on upper airway dimensions. Material and Methods:Twenty Five patients including 13 females, 12 males with the mean age of 10.66 years (range, +0.7, -0.8 years) with skeletal Cl III malocclusion due to maxillary deficiency were selected in this study. All of the patients were treated by using a maxillary protraction (Tongue Appliance) as the only treatment appliance. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment. Data were analyzed statistically by means of paired T-test. Results:No significant increase in the width of upper and middle horizontal airway dimension was seen. Significant increases were observed in the length of vertical airway dimension (P<0.001). Conclusion:These results demonstrated that Tongue Appliance doesn't affect sagittal airway dimensions but it increases vertical dimensions in the short time.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intra-oral maxillary protraction appliance named tongue appliance on the dimensions of the upper airway in patients with Cl III malocclusion and maxillary deficiency. Materials and MethodsThe study was done according to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.In this study 25 patients (13 females, 12 males) with mean age of 10.6 (SD 0.7) years who were treated with tongue appliance were selected. All samples had following inclusion criteria.Presence of a skeletal Cl III malocclusion due to maxillary deficiency with SNA≤78. SNB ≤80. ANB ≤0 Edge to edge incisor relationship or anterior crossbite, flat or concave facial profile.The patients were treated with tongue appliance alone.4-No other congenital anomalies, endocrine, nasopharyngeal disorders, tonsillitis, adenitis, previous orthopedic, orthodontic treatment, and rhinoplasty were present.Tongue appliance [10] used for the treatment of the samples was constructed by Adams clasps for first upper molars and c clasps in the anterior teeth in order to increase the retention. Three to five separate spurs incorporated in the palatal between canine to canine areas. These spurs were as long as to cage the tongue and they were adjusted in clinic to avoid traumatizing the floor of the mouth. This appliance was used for approximately 22 hours a day. The average treatment IntroductionThe skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of orthopedic appliances in patients with Class III (Cl III) malocclusions and maxillary deficiency have been well documented in literature. Numerous appliance designs such as endosseous implants [1], ankylozed teeth [2], surgically assisted orthopedic protraction [3], distraction osteogenesis [4,5], Hybrid Hyrax appliance [6], reverse chin cup [7,8], face mask [9], tongue appliance [10][11][12], and tongue plate [13] have been used for treatment ...