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Comparison of pharyngeal airway dimensions between orthodontic malocclusions: A retrospective study

Aim: To compare pharyngeal airway dimensions (PADs) between orthodontic malocclusions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analytical study was carried out on pretreatment cephalometric X-rays of total 45 individuals with Class I, II, and III malocclusions aged between 15 and 17 years (±1.16). Each group comprised 15 patients (eight girls and seven boys). The PAD was evaluated with cephalometric X-rays of Arnett–Gunson (A/G)-face airway bite -surgery using Dolphin Imaging software 11.7 (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Charsworth, California). The data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 22.0 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Comparison of chronological age and gender of the groups was made by Student t test. The differences between the three groups were compared by analysis of variance test and the differences between the two groups were compared by Tukey test. Intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the intraclass coefficient. Results: PADs at (A/G)-B and (A/G)-Pog decreased in Class II, whereas PAD at (A/G)-A decreased in Class III, as compared to control (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). PADs at (A/G)-A, (A/G)-B, and (A/G)-Pog were statistically significant in Class II as compared to Class III (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Soft palate lengths were similar in all groups. Conclusion: The upper and lower PADs are affected by different dental and skeletal malocclusions. There was a decrease in lower airway measurements in Class II, whereas there was a decrease in upper airway measurements in Class III, as compared to Class I control group. Mandibular sagittal growth stimulation in Class II, maxillary palatal expansion, and maxillary protraction in Class III may be effective in expanding PAD, which decreases the potential risk of obstructive sleep apnea.