Evaluating interactions of airway changes during growth with orthodontic treatment

The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate changes in the pharyngeal airway volume in adolescents treated with fixed orthodontic appliances compared to matched untreated adolescents and to assess its impact on airflow resistance.The sample consisted of 16 adolescents (mean start age of 11 years 3 months) who had started and completed treatment at the orthodontic department of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dental Medicine. This group was compared to a control that consisted of 16 adolescents (mean start age 12 years) who had two CBCTs with no treatment in between for the purpose of regular orthodontic evaluation. Differences in airway volume, length, minimum cross-sectional area, and the average cross-sectional area were calculated.The results indicated that the airway volume increased by 39% and was a statistically significant change (P0.05). Regarding the influence on airflow resistance, the change in cross sectional area was significant in the group treated with fixed orthodontic appliances (P0.03).Adolescents treated with fixed orthodontic appliances do experience an increase in airway volume, as well as a decrease in airway resistance to airflow compared to that in normal growth.