Impacts of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal breathing in children with maxillary constriction: A review article

Abstract

Background: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a dentofacial orthopaedic procedure reported to be used in young patients to treat constricted maxillary arches and considered also a useful treatment option in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The purpose of this article is to explore the impacts of RME on breathing problems in children secondary to maxillary constriction. Methods: Electronic Medline database search was conducted between1946 to 2015 to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on breathing issues due to maxillary constriction. The search was restricted to articles published in English and children younger than 18 years old. The initial 50 articles were reviewed and 7 relevant studies were selected in this article. Results: Seven studies assessed the impact of rapid maxillary expansion on breathing issues due to maxillary constriction. Results revealed that nasal airway resistance was reduced, nasal volume was increased and nasal respiration has improved. Furthermore, improvement in symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was demonstrated in various studies after the use of rapid maxillary expansion. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion could be an effective procedure in widening nasal cavities and decreasing nasal airway resistance which can lead to improvement in nasal breathing. Furthermore, it can be a useful therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.