Cbct Analysis Of Incisor Retraction And Upper Airway Volume

CBCT analysis revealed correlations between incisor retraction and upper airway volume changes in skeletal Class II adult females across vertical facial patterns, guiding clinical retraction planning. 48 skeletal Class II females (2019-2024) meeting inclusion criteria (18-45 years, excluding airway/jaw surgery/cleft cases) underwent CBCT analysis. Dolphin 11.8 reconstructed 3D craniofacial models using anatomical landmarks to define sagittal/coronal planes. Incisor retraction was quantified via crown midpoint displacement relative to coronal planes. Upper airway volumes (including MCA) were measured using standardized multiplanar reformation protocols in Dolphin. Statistical analyses (SPSS 26.0 for paired t-tests; EZR 4.2 for regression) revealed significant post-orthodontic reductions in total upper airway volume, nasopharynx/oropharynx/velopharynx volumes, and midsagittal cross-sectional area in skeletal Class II females. While maxillary/mandibular incisor positions changed markedly, velopharynx/laryngopharynx volumes, minimum cross-sectional area, hyoid bone coordinates, dental arch widths, and mandibular plane angle showed no significant alterations. Group comparisons based on incisor sagittal movement amounts demonstrated non-significant differences in pretreatment/posttreatment airway metrics (naso-/oro-/laryngopharynx volumes, cross-sectional areas), hyoid position, arch dimensions, and vertical skeletal patterns, underscoring the need for individualized risk-benefit assessment in clinical planning. Skeletal Class II females exhibited stable negative incisor retraction-airway volume correlations post-orthodontics, though craniofacial/aerodynamic metrics showed nonsignificant intergroup differences, necessitating balanced clinical strategies with airway risk prioritization and expanded translational research.