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This study: Does rapid maxillary expansion affect nasopharyngeal airway? A prospective Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT) based study, written by Xiangyang Ju, Lubna Al-Muzian, Jim P McDonald states:
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) was found to be an effective expander involving the teeth and their sockets. and significantly augments the upper part of the throat behind the nose. and minimize the upper space behind the palate. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a procedure used for midpalatal suture opening by means of fixed orthodontic appliances, during growth. The aim is to increase the width extending across the arch attached to the jawbone as the result of dental and skeletal expansion. Bonded RME is an efficient expander involving the teeth and their sockets in growing patients and associated with an expansion of the space in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. The effects of RME on the region of the upper part of the pharynx, connecting with the nasal cavity above the soft palate, exhibited a mushroom-like pattern where the upper part expanded, the middle part significantly narrowed, and the lower part mildly but insignificantly narrowed. This form of interceptive orthodontics improves the nasal airway and gives ample room for the tongue. This study shows volumteric changes in the size of airway using Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT).
Orthodontists like Dr. Liliana Calkins of Airway and Sleep Group use Rapid Maxillary Expansion to treat obstructive sleep apnea in patients and avoid the removal of teeth in orthodontic treatments which can negatively affect airway. Call Airway and Sleep Group for a diagnostic consultation at (571) 244-7329.
To learn more about the study, visit this link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1479666X15001250