Effect of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the nasal airways

Abstract

Objectives: Transverse maxillary deficiency is a common problem among patients seeking orthodontics care. It is characterized by a narrow maxilla in relation to the rest of the craniofacial structures, a narrow palatal vault, and often a posterior cross bite. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the nasal airways to measure outcome of nasofibroscopy in evaluation of nasal airways and to measure the changes in area of the nasal cavities. Patients and Methods: The present study was carried out on nine patients’ healthy adult. Surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) was done for each patient. All patients were assessed by nasofibroscopy for increasing in nasal cavities through the expansion period. Results: Results of the current study have indicated that nasofibroscopy values of surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion were higher along the observation periods. The nasofibroscopy results showed increasing in nasal cavities. Conclusion: these results support the view that surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion is effective in increasing of nasal cavities through the follow up period.