Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate pharyngeal airway dimensions using cone-beam computed
tomography (CBCT) in patients with Class I, II, and III malocclusions and normal growth patterns.
Methods: All CBCT images were categorized into three groups: Class I (0° < ANB < 4°, −1 mm
< Wits < 0 mm), Class II (ANB > 4°, Wits > 0 mm), and Class III (ANB < 0°, Wits < −1 mm).
CBCT images were obtained from individuals with normal growth patterns (32 ± 5° = GN/GO –
SN), where GN represents gonion, GN is gnathion, and SN equates to the sella-nasion distance.
Measurements were taken for total pharyngeal volume, velopharyngeal volume, glossopharyngeal
volume, and oropharyngeal volume, and the narrowest area of the airway was measured. ANOVA
and Tukey’s post hoc test were used to compare the airway dimensions among skeletal classes I,
II, and III.
Results: The CBCT images were captured from 90 patients (45 males and 45 females) aged 17 to 39.
The mean volume of the total pharyngeal airway, velopharyngeal, glossopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal
and the most constricted area were significantly greater in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion
compared to patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion showing normal growth pattern. Total
pharyngeal airway, velopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal volumes were lower in Class II patients
compared to Class I and III patients with normal growth patterns. There was a significant difference
in the pharyngeal space between males and females with Class II malocclusion. Pharyngeal space
in female Class II malocclusion was higher than that in males. There was no difference regarding
airway space between female and male patients with Class 1 malocclusion. Pharyngeal space between
females and males with Class III malocclusion showed no difference.
Conclusion: Class III pharyngeal volumes were generally larger in Class I and II malocclusions.
Sex differences in the volumes of various pharyngeal spaces were only present in the case of Class II
malocclusions.
Relevance for Patients: Class II pharyngeal volumes were generally smaller in Class I and III
malocclusions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36922/jctr.23.00110
Author affiliation
1. Department of Orthodontic, Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2. Department of Public Health, Islamic Azad University
Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
4. Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
5. Department of Orthodontics, City of
London Dental School, University of Bolton, London, UK
*Corresponding author:
Abdolreza Jamilian
Module leader, City of London Dental School,
University of Bolton, London, UK
Orthodontic Department, Islamic Azad
University Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran.
Email: info@jamilian.net
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