The influence of nasopharyngeal patency on the morphology of nasomaxillary complex

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the nasomaxillary complex in subjects with nasopharyngeal obstruction symptoms and the group with normal nasopharyngeal patency. Materials and methods. The study analyzed lateral cephalograms and dental plaster casts of 229 orthodontic subjects from the orthodontic clinic, i.e. 129 (56%) females and 100 (44%) males, age range of 6-30 years (mean age = 13.79). The analysis of radiographs and cephalometric measurements were performed using Orto-TestPor-ZPaluch software. The study population examined according to the stage of cervical vertebral maturation was divided into three sub - groups [the CVM A group consisted of 57 (24.9%) subjects, the CVM B group consisted of 85 (37.1%) subjects and the CVM C group consisted of 87 (38%) subjects]. Results. In the youngest age group with less than 50% airway patency, smaller values of SNA angle were observed together with diminished anterior palatal width compared with the non-obliterated group. The decrease in the area of the nasomaxillary complex and the decrease in posterior palatal width were observed in the oldest age group with less than 50% airway patency as compared to the subjects with normal patency. Conclusions. The nasomaxillary complex morphology in subjects with decreased nasopharyngeal patency pre - disposes to air flow impediment through nasal respiratory passage. Non-extraction treatment of the upper dental arch and possible maxillary expansion can be considered when orthodontic treatment is planned in subjects with decreased patency of < 50% and CVM A.