Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Upper Airway Parameters in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study
To evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on nasopharyngeal dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).
Design
A prospective case-series longitudinal study.
Setting
Orthodontic Department, School of Dental Sciences.
Participants
Forty-eight children (30 males and 18 females) aged 8 to 10 years old with UCLP who had maxillary transverse constriction and need maxillary expansion.
Intervention
RME followed by retention phase.
Main outcome
Changes in 3-dimensional nasopharyngeal parameters after RME using cephalometric radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Results
The CBCT analysis revealed that the nasal cavity increased by 1907 mm3 (P < .001), the nasopharynx (NP) increased by 707 mm3 (P = .027), the minimum cross-sectional area increased by 29.98 mm2 (P < .001), and the distance between the right and left maxillary sinuses increased by 7.98 mm (P < .001), although the change in the sinus volume was insignificant (P > .05). Cephalometric measurements revealed a statistically significant inferior dislocation of the maxilla after treatment (S-S1, P = .024; N-ANS, P = .017), increase in the inferior anterior and posterior facial height (S-Go, P = .017; ANS-Me, P = .041; N-Me, P = .020).
Conclusion
RME treatment increased some nasopharyngeal dimensions in children with UCLP and maxillary constriction.
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