Investigation of the effects of different rapid palatal expansion methods on the nasal passage and pharyngeal region

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the effects of tooth, tooth-bone, and bone-supported RME (rapid maxillary expansion) appliances on the nasomaxillary complex and nasopharyngeal area among individuals with maxillary transverse stenosis using CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) and rhinomanometry. It also comparatively assessed the effects of these expansion methods.MethodsThe study used the CBCT images and rhinomanometry records of 45 patients with maxillary transversal stenosis, aged between 10 and 17 years, who underwent RME with Hyrax, hybrid, and mini-screw appliances. It also collected records from these patients at three stages: at the beginning of treatment, after active expansion, and after a 3-month retention. The study used CBCT images for dentoalveolar, skeletal, nasal, and pharyngeal measurements and evaluated rhinomanometry records for nasal airway resistance.ResultsCBCT recordings showed no significant within-group differences in measures of changes in pharyngeal and nasal volumes, whereas there were significant increases for these measures between recording periods in all RME groups. Furthermore, these increases remained mostly stable at the end of the retention period. Assessments of rhinomanometry recordings showed no significant within-group differences, whereas nasal resistance decreased during the inspiratory and expiratory phases in all RME groups, with some significant differences between periods. However, after retention, nasal resistance generally tended to return to baseline values.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the tooth, tooth-bone, and bone-supported RME appliances significantly increased the nasopharyngeal volume, and decreased nasal resistance.Trial registrationThe compliance of the study with the ethical rules was unanimously approved by the Atat & uuml;rk University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research Ethics Committee, with the decision dated September 30, 2021, and numbered B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/378.

Journal

BMC ORAL HEALTH

Year

2025

Volume

25

Issue

1

ISSN

1472-6831

DOI

10.1186/s12903-025-07112-w

WoS UID

WOS:001603660000013