Effects of rapid vs slow maxillary expansion on nasal cavity dimensions in growing subjects: a methodological and reproducibility study

Authors

  • A Lo Giudice University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • R Fastuca Department of Orthdontics, University of Insubria, Clinica Odontostomatologica, Varese
  • M Portelli University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • A Militi University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • M Bellocchio University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • P Spinuzza University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • F Briguglio University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina
  • A Caprioglio Department of Orthdontics, University of Insubria, Clinica Odontostomatologica, Varese
  • R Nucera University of Messina, Department of Orthodontics, Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Messina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2017.18.04.07

Keywords:

Maxillary expansion, Maxillary transverse deficiency, Nasal width, Palatal width

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the methodological feasibility of a RCT comparing skeletal changes of nasal cavity size obtained with RME and SME, assessed via CBCT. METHODS: Twenty Caucasian children with a mean age of 10.4 years were recruited and allocated to receive RME (10 subjects, mean age 10.4 years) or SME (10 subjects, mean age 10.5 years). Inclusion criteria: constricted maxillary arch, upper and lower first molars erupted, unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite. Exclusion criteria: age above 15 years, history of previous orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, systemic disease affecting craniofacial growth, or craniofacial congenital syndrome. CBCT examinations were performed before treatment (T0) and 7 months after expander removal (T1). Changes of nasal width (NW), palatal width (PW) and total nasal volume (TNV) were assessed; palatal and nasal expansion was also calculated as a percentage of the increase of intermolar width IMW (PW% and NW%). CONCLUSION: The reported methodology can be reasonably used to investigate the transverse dimension of nasal cavity. The PW% and NW% parameters more accurately described the efficacy of the two expansion protocols as compared to their corresponding absolute measurement (PW and NW).