Exploratory work on the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal airway dimensions

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether any changes in nasal cavity dimensions or subjective report of nasal symptoms exist after rapid maxillary expansion using two types of expansion appliances, comparing results with an untreated control group. Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned into one of three groups: tooth-borne or bone-anchored expander or untreated control. Acoustic rhinometry was used to measure minimal cross-sectional area and volume of the nasal cavity over three timepionts for treatment subjects and two timepoints for control subjects, taken along with the NOSE Instrument survey. Results: No significant changes in nasal cavity dimension or subjective reports were found in subjects treated with tooth- or bone-anchored appliances compared to control subjects over three timepoints. In addition, non-significant correlation was observed between nasal airway dimensional change and subject symptoms. Conclusions: Rapid maxillary expansion does not result in change of i) nasal airway dimensions or ii) the sensation of nasal symptoms.