[Effects of maxillary protraction on craniofacial structures and upper airway dimensions in skeletal Class III malocclusions].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of maxillary protraction on upper airway dimensions in skeletal Class III malocclusions and to investigate the relationship between changes in craniofacial morphology and upper airway dimensions.

METHODS

22 patients who had maxillary retrognathism confirmed by cervical vertebral maturation and treated with face mask protraction. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs were analyzed with SAS8.2 software package for paired t test and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The dimensions of PNS-ad1,PNS-ad2,PSP-SPPW, P-MPW increased significantly (P<0.01), Tb-TPPW decreased significantly (P<0.05). The change of V-LPW was not significant (P>0.05).Correlation was found between changes of PNS-Ba and PNS-ad1, PNS-ad2,V-LPW (P<0.05);changes of Hy-H1 and P-MPW,V-LPW (P<0.05);changes of Hy-H0 and V-LPW (P<0.05). No correlation was found between other pharyngeal measurements and investigated craniofacial variables(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary protraction can affect the upper airway structures. In addition, variables on craniofacial morphology are relative with upper airway dimensions.