Maxillary protraction appliance effect on the size of the upper airway passage

Objective: To test the hypothesis that maxillary protraction appliances (MPA) have no effect on the size of the upper airway passage and craniofacial structures in adolescent patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (5 male and 15 female; mean age 11.5 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion were included in this study. The records of all patients who had maxillary protraction treatment and had lateral head radiographs taken before and after their protraction treatments were obtained from the files of treated cases. Treatment changes were determined by means of linear, angular, and area measurements. Data were analyzed statistically by means of paired t-test and correlation analysis. Results: Significant increases were observed in the width and area of the pharyngeal airway. Significant increases also occurred in the sagittal growth of the maxilla, while a clockwise rotation and inhibition of sagittal growth were observed in the mandible. Conclusions: The hypothesis was rejected. The size of the upper airway can be increased by means of MPA application.