Relationship of craniofacial morphology in 3-dimensional analysis of the pharynx.

INTRODUCTION

Pharynx dimensions may vary according to the position and morphology of the mandible. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that craniofacial morphology affects pharyngeal volume and its cross-sectional areas.

METHODS

Seventy-four subjects (38 men, 36 women) aged 18 to 56 years (mean ± SD 32.8 ± 1.8 years) were scanned with a cone-beam computed tomography unit and had facial profile photographs taken. All participants were classified according to skeletal anteroposterior (Class II and Class III) and vertical facial patterns (brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial). Facial profile analyses and pharyngeal volume and cross-sectional area determinations were performed.

RESULTS

The soft palate cross-sectional area of the oropharynx was significantly greater in the Class III patients. The upper facial third (trichion to soft tissue glabella/facial height) correlated negatively with pharyngeal volume and with soft palate cross-sectional area in the oropharynx. Alternatively, the midfacial third (soft tissue glabella to subnasale/facial height) correlated positively with soft palate cross-sectional area of the oropharynx. No significant differences across sexes and facial patterns regarding pharyngeal volume were found (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The soft palate cross-sectional area is larger in skeletal Class III subjects. It seems that analysis of the facial profile focusing on the proportions of the facial thirds allows for inferences on pharyngeal dimensions. However, anteroposterior skeletal facial type and vertical facial pattern do not seem to affect pharyngeal volume.