Changes in maxillary width and upper airway spaces in young adults after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in maxillary width and upper airway spaces in young adults with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion combined with surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy. Study Design. Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females; mean age 25.1 +/- 6.3 years) with maxillary transverse deficiency were recruited. An expander was placed on the premolars and first molars. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before treatment and after a 3-month retention period. Measurements were done on the basis of the cone beam computed tomography images by using Dolphin Imaging 3-D software. The paired sample t test was used for statistical analysis. Results. The intermolar width and the buccal tipping of the upper first molars exhibited significant increase (P < .001). The volume and the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) increased significantly (P < .05). The right - left diameter of MCA increased from 21.15 to 25.48 mm (P < .001), whereas the anterior - posterior diameter of MCA did not change significantly (P > .05). Conclusions. Widening of transverse maxillary deficiency after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion with surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy improves upper airway spaces in young adults.