Effect of a rapid maxillary expansion on snoring and sleep in children: a pilot study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the McNamara rapid palatal expansion device for the treatment of sleep disorders in children.

METHODS

The sample enrolled 12 children aged 4-11 years. Children with snoring and bruxism whose parents did not agree to tonsil surgery were included in the study. During the initial evaluation, a questionnaire addressing sleep was administered, and plaster models were made for the construction of the McNamara rapid maxillary expansion device. The expansion period was 7-15 days, and the McNamara device was removed after 6-8 months. The same questionnaire was administered again after 30 days of use of the orthopedic appliance. The data were analyzed using the McNemar test, with the level of significance set to 5% (P<0.05).

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found in tiredness upon waking (P=0.002), mood (P=0.008), lip seal (P=0.031), drooling during sleep (P=0.031), snoring (P=0.001), and bruxism (P=0.0062).

CONCLUSION

The use of non-invasive methods, such as rapid maxillary expansion, can be an effective treatment for snoring and other undesirable sleep behaviors in children.