Cephalometric Analysis of Airway Dimensions in Patients with Different Vertical Jaw Relations

Abstract

Background and Objective: Knowledge of airway dimensions is important in the process of diagnosing and planning the treatment of orthodontic patients. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of performing cephalometric anlysis of airway dimensions in patients with different vertical jaw relations in the specialized clinic of Babol Dental School. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 lateral cephalometric radiographs taken from patients aged 18 to 25 before orthodontic treatment. Based on the FMA angle and Jarabak index, the patients were divided into three groups of 50 according to the vertical skeletal pattern. The width of the upper (UP) and lower (LP) airways was measured in millimeters using McNamara's analysis. Moreover, the width of the nasopharynx (PNS-UPW), oropharynx (U-MPW) and hypopharynx (V-LPW) was recorded in millimeters and compared in three groups. Findings: The studied population included 43 men and 107 women with a mean age of 20.39±2.50 years. The results showed a significant relationship in the dimensions of the upper airway, nasopharynx, and oropharynx between the vertical groups (p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.015, respectively). All these parameters in the Hyperdivergent group were significantly lower than the other two groups, and no significant relationship was found between the Hypodivergent and Normodivergent groups. The mean upper airway in Normodivergent group was 13.62±3.05. In addition, the dimensions of the lower airway and hypopharynx were not significantly different between the vertical groups. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that hyperdivergent patients have a narrower upper airway. However, lower airway dimensions are not affected by vertical growth pattern factors.

Keywords

• lateral cephalometry
• airway
• vertical dimensions of the face.