An Investigation into the Relationship between the Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Airway Volume and the Palatal Height in Different Vertical Facial Proportions Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Abstract

Introduction: The proper selection of variations in a variety of face patterns is very important for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning because certain techniques that are performed during orthodontic treatment may exacerbate or weaken the facial pattern traits. The classification of facial types is directly associated with the growth of the skull and is divided into three different types: Brachy-Facial, Mesio-Facial and Dolicho-Facial. This study investigated the relationship between oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway volume and the palatal height in different vertical facial patterns using CBCT images. Methods: In this retrospective study cases of 60 patients who were undergone CBCT scans at the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of Tabriz Dental School were used to assess the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airway volume and palatal height. The sample subgroups were determined by the facial vertical ratio into three equal groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSS 17. Results: The results of the comparison the volume of nasopharyngeal airways in three facial patterns indicated that there was statistically significant difference between the three groups (p <0.05). The results of the comparison the volume of oropharyngeal airways and palatal height in the coronal and sagittal views in three facial patterns indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups(P> 0.05) Discussion and Conclusion: The results of the comparison the volume of nasopharyngeal airways indicated that the highest volume of nasopharyngeal airway was seen in individuals with short face pattern, while the lowest volume of nasopharyngeal airway was observed in the long face pattern.