Rapid palatal expansion and pharyngeal space. Cephalometric evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

the aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometrically the upper respiratory airway dimensions before and after rapid maxillary expansion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

rapid palatal expansion was performed on 24 5-9 year old children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy determined radiographically by means of lateral cephalographs. Also, the subjects were questioned concerning their ability to breath through their noses.

RESULTS

there was an increase in upper respiratory width that often coincided with a reported improvement in nasal respiration. Adenoid volume was not reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

the increase in pharyngeal space and improvement in nasal breathing resulted from an increase in pharyngeal lumen enlargement rather than a reduction in the volume of the adenoid tissue.