Effect of Slow Maxillary Expansion and Alternative Rapid Maxillary Expansion Protocols on Airway Volume in Cleft Palate Cases: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Study.

A total of 22 patients with cleft palate aged 8 to 12 years were selected and categorized into two groups: the first group was treated with alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) using an expander with differential opening (EDO) and facemask, while the second group was treated using slow maxillary expansion (SME) using an EDO. Finally, the pharyngeal airway volume in the two groups was compared using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans were performed before expansion and six months following the expansion. Alveolar crest level, maxillary breadth, nasal cavity width, arch width, inclination of the molar teeth, buccal and palatal alveolar bone thickness, and maxillary alveolar width were all assessed. Paired t-tests (p=0.05) were applied to compare interphase data. The two groups showed a non-significant difference in terms of nasopharyngeal volume (cm), oropharyngeal volume (cm), and overall pre- and post-treatment results (p>0.005). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the Alt-RAMEC group revealed a significantly higher cleft volume (cm) (p=0.001). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the SME group revealed a substantial rise in cleft volume (cm) (p=0.003). Results from a comparison of the cleft volume (cm) between the two study groups pre- and post-intervention revealed a non-significant difference (p=0.200 and 0.054, respectively).