Rapid Palatal Expansion and Airway – Controversy, Consensus, and The Role Of 3D Imaging

Abstract

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effect of expansion appliance on airway by analyzing the studies that used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT can help to analyze the effects of orthodontic treatment such as expansion appliances on nasal cavity, oral and pharyngeal airway volume. Rapid maxillary expansion can be used with conventional design (RME) or with the contemporary design with mini screws (MARPE). The effect of the different designs of expansion appliances will be covered in this article. This article will also cover the effects of the different protocols on evaluating the airway dimensions on CBCT.