Clinical Trial

Effects of BREA and MFT Expansion Appliances on Upper Airway Dimensions

Completed
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Summary
This retrospective study evaluated whether orthodontic expansion using two types of appliances, a bimaxillary removable expansion appliance (BREA) and a maxillary fixed three screw palatal expander (MFT), influences upper airway dimensions, hyoid bone position, and palatal morphology in growing children. Seventy nine children aged 4 to 12 years were included. Fifty five patients received orthodontic expansion (BREA or MFT), and twenty four untreated patients served as controls. Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs and digital dental models obtained before and after the observation period were analyzed. Measurements assessed nasal and hypopharyngeal airway dimensions, the position of the hyoid bone, and transverse and volumetric characteristics of the palate. Compared with untreated children, those who underwent expansion showed significant increases in selected airway dimensions, widening of the upper piriform aperture, and increased distance between the hyoid bone and the mandibular symphysis. Both appliances increased maxillary transverse widths, with greater maxillary expansion observed in the MFT group. Palatal volume increased significantly with BREA, whereas palatal surface area increased and palatal depth decreased significantly with MFT. These findings suggest that orthodontic expansion in growing children may favorably modify selected upper airway and palatal parameters. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the long term functional and clinical significance of these changes.
Trial Details
NCT Number NCT07456917
Lead Sponsor Medical University of Silesia
Conditions Maxillary Constriction in Growing Children, Transverse Maxillary Deficiency, Upper Airway Morphology in Children, Orthodontic Expansion Effects, Hyoid Bone Positional Changes
Enrollment 79 participants
Start Date 2020-02-01
Primary Completion 2026-02-01 (estimated)
Study Completion 2026-02-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov 2026-03-09