Comparision of orofacial airway dimensions in subject with different breathing pattern.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant difference in the craniofacial morphology and orofacial airway dimensions between mouth breathing (MB) and nasal breathing (NB) subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 34 MB subjects (mean age: 12.8±1.5 years; range: 12.0-15.2 years) and 33 NB subjects (mean 13.9±1.3 years; age range: 12.2-15.8 years) with Class I occlusion were examined. Totally, 34 measurements (27 craniofacial and 7 orofacial airway) were evaluated. Group differences were statistically evaluated by independent samples t-test at p<0.05 levels.

RESULTS:

Statistical comparisons showed that SNA (p<0.01), ANB (p<0.01), A to N perp (p<0.05), convexity (p<0.05), IMPA (p<0.05) and overbite (p<0.05) measurements were significantly lower in MB group when compared to NB group. However, SN-MP (p<0.01) and PP-GoGn (p<0.01) from angular measurements and S-N (p<0.05) and anterior facial height (p<0.05) from linear measurements were significantly higher in MB subjects. Among orofacial airway measurements, only upper posterior airway space was found significantly higher(p<0.001) in MB than NB subjects.

CONCLUSIONS:

The null hypothesis was rejected. Mouth breathing affects craniofacial morphology and orofacial airway dimensions.

• Authors: Faruk I Ucar, Tancan Uysal
• Journal: Progress in orthodontics (Prog Orthod) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 210-7 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 2196-1042 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 23260531 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Srl.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Airway Obstruction (pathology)
• Cephalometry
• Child
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Face (anatomy & histology, diagnostic imaging)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Maxillofacial Development
• Mouth Breathing (pathology)
• Pharynx (anatomy & histology)
• Radiography
• Reproducibility of Results
• Respiration
• Respiratory System (anatomy & histology, pathology)
• Vertical Dimension