An anthropometric and cephalometric study to correlate facial form to pharyngeal airway in Class I and Class II malocclusions

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between upper airways and changes in facial morphology has been extensively debated in the literature and remains controversial. Although many studies have been done regarding comparison of the nasopharyngeal space among patients with vertical and sagittal dysplasia, none so far has been carried out regarding relation between nasopharyngeal space and facial form. In view of the need to uncover new evidence to contribute to and assist in addressing this complex issue, this composite study was aimed to evaluate the variations in pharyngeal airway spaces in Class I and Class II malocclusions and their effect on facial form. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 180 subjects aged between 18 and 26 years. Subjects were divided into two groups; Class I and Class II malocclusions. Pharyngeal airway and facial forms were analyzed by cephalometrics and anthropometrics, respectively. Results: Results showed that McNamara's lower pharyngeal width is significantly less in Class II males than Class I males with statistically significant ( P = 0.009). Anthropometrically, nasal width (al r -al l ) is significantly less in Class II females than in Class I females ( P = 0.021). The lower aerial width and adenoid pharyngeal wall area had statistically significant difference between normo-, hypo-, and hyper-divergent growth patterns. Conclusion: It was concluded that sagittal mandibular development had significant effects on the dimensions of lower pharyngeal airway passage. Vertical dysplasia significantly affects the upper pharyngeal airway passage with a lesser value in vertical growth pattern than horizontal growth pattern. Facial form in vertical dysplasia showed a statistically significant difference between normal, horizontal, and vertical growth patterns. A significant correlation was found between variation in pharyngeal airway spaces to facial form in sagittal and vertical dysplasia.