Odontologia

Abstrato

The Upper and Lower Pharyngeal Airway Widths in Different Sagittal and Vertical Craniofacial Patterns Among a Sample of Sudanese Adults

Alaa M. Abdalla, Amal H. Abuaffan*

Objective: This study is aimed at producing norms for the Pharyngeal airway space in subjects with skeletal Class 1 and normal vertical relation and at the unveiling of constrictions related to skeletal morphology. Materials and Method: The study sample consisted of 106 healthy untreated subjects (male=35 and female=71), ages ranging from 17 to 25 years old. The subjects were grouped according to ANB angle and their vertical relation. The cephalometric films were traced manually and analyzed using Mc Namara analysis of Upper and Lower pharyngeal airway spaces (UPA and LPA). Norms were obtained and the sizes of UPA and LPA were compared in different sagittal and vertical relations. Results: The mean and standard deviation of UPA 11+-2.21 mm and LPA 10.69 +- 3.06mm. UPA showed a significant increase in Class II skeletal sagittal relation, and no significant difference in UPA or LPA in skeletal Class I Normodivergent and Hyperdivergent groups. The LPA width was significantly constricted in Class 2 Hyperdivergent group. (p-value 0.039), with a positive functional relation with SNB angle. The UPA was unaffected. Conclusion: The UPA widths were significantly increased in skeletal Class II subjects irrespective of the vertical relation. The LPA was found to be significantly constricted in Skeletal class 2 Hyperdivergent subjects conforming to the preconceived notion of their constriction in the literature. These subjects may be at risk of respiratory problems with retrusive oriented treatment modalities and sleep apnea.