A 25-year evaluation of pharyngeal airways dimensional changes after headgear orthopedic treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nasopharyngeal obstruction may influence craniofacial growth, lead to psychosocial impairments, and adversely affect quality of life. Thus, it is important to identify the potential of orthodontic therapies to alter the dimensions of the airways. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term changes in pharyngeal airway dimensions in skeletal Class II patients treated with cervical headgear appliance. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 20 patients treated by an experienced Orthodontist. The airway space was assessed using linear and area measurements on cephalometric radiographs before treatment, after treatment, and at a 25-year follow-up. Results: measurements showed high to moderate reliability. None of the measures showed a decrease after treatment. The nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal areas were not modified after headgear intervention and showed a tendency to narrow over the follow-up period. Regarding linear measurements, the nasopharyngeal dimensions remained unchanged or increased after treatment, returning to initial dimensions in the follow-up assessment. Conclusion: Orthopedic treatment with extraoral appliances did not cause a decrease in pharyngeal airway dimension and is considered safe for the treatment of growing skeletal Class II malocclusions according to the results of the present study.