Analysis of rapid maxillary expansion effects on nasal soft tissues widths.

AIM

The aim of this study was to analyze the variations in nasal dimensions in prepubertal patients associated with RME therapy compared with an untreated age matched control group.

METHODS

A group of 61 subjects (26 F, 35 M; mean age 10.5±1.8 years) was enrolled in the study to undergo a rapid maxillary expansion therapy; 41 subjects (26 F, 15 M; mean age 10.7±2.2 years) were enrolled as a control group. Both groups underwent nasal soft tissues width measurements using a caliper at three separate time points: T0 - prior to the placement of RME; T1 - after completion of active expansion phase; T2 - at the removal of the expander (nearly 6 months after T1).

RESULTS

The ANOVA showed statistically significant increments (P<0.0001) of the greater alar cartilage (GAC) measurement (0.8±0.2 mm) in the study group, differences for the AB measurements were not statistically significant (P=0.0784).

CONCLUSION

The treatment of rapid maxillary expansion can induce an increase in GAC soft tissues width of about 1 mm in prepubertal patients. This increase could not be considered of clinical impact. The alar base width increase less than GAC, this increase is without statistical significance.