Effects of twin-block appliance on upper airway parameters in OSA children with class II malocclusion and mandibular retrognathia: a CBCT study.

Abstract

Correction of class II mandibular retrognathic skeletal malocclusion with twin-block appliance resulted in a significant increase in upper airway volume, MCA, anteroposterior and lateral distances of the MCA at the level of the oropharynx, MCA at the level of the hypopharynx and upper airway length, and a significant decrease in AHI, but it had no effect on nasopharynx parameters. • CBCT imaging has been shown to be an effective and precise diagnostic tool for analyzing the upper airways and craniofacial structures. • Twin block appliance may be an effective treatment modality in children with OSA. • Minimal cross-sectional area of upper ways may be the most relevant potential parameter when explaining how the upper airway anatomy plays role of in the pathogenesis of pediatric OSA. • Twin block appliance induced favorable changes in upper airway morphology (oropharynx area mainly) and respiratory parameters in OSA children with class II malocclusion.