A Three-Dimensional Analysis of Pharyngeal Airway Space and Head Posture: a Comparison of Different Skeletal Malocclusions.
Peiretti, Olivia.
2013
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Abstract: Due to the pharyngeal airway space and dentofacial skeleton being in close proximity, their interaction has been studied extensively in the past. With the introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), their relationship has been recently revaluated with more accuracy. The position of the head has also been showed to vary in function of skeletal malocclusion and respiratory ... read moreobstruction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the airway space and head posture in relation to different skeletal malocclusion in three-dimension. The study sample consisted of 83 non-growing individuals. The relationship between anterior-posterior and vertical malocclusion to airway space and head position were analyzed. The Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regressions were performed to test the associations between the measured data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 19). The results revealed that a statistically significant correlation existed between the GoGn-SN angle and the cranio-cervical angle (p=0.004 and r=0.311). Also, a weak statistically significant correlation was found between the ANB angle and the anterior-posterior length of the most constricted cross-section area of the airway (p=0.017 and r=-0.261). None of the other associations tested in this study reached the level of statistical significance. As the hyperdivergence of the patients increased, the more extended the head posture was. Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that patients with extreme dentofacial characteristics undergo a modification of their pharyngeal and cervical musculature in order to maintain a patent airway. The evaluation of the pharyngeal airway space and head posture should be an integral part of the orthodontist treatment plan and diagnosis.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2013.
Submitted to the Dept. of Orthodontics.
Advisor: Noshir Mehta.
Committee: Aruna Ramesh, Georgios Kanavakis, Matthew Finkelman, and Tofool Al Ghanem.
Keyword: Dentistry.read less - ID:
- h415pp30w
- Component ID:
- tufts:20501
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
