Is there a correlation between sleep disordered breathing and maxillary expansion? A retrospective study based on cephalometric assessment and questionnaires

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the effect of maxillary expansion (ME) during childhood on Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) symptoms in adults. Methods: This is a retrospective study (S) focusing on cephalometric measurements performed on 27 children (C), who had received maxillary expansion (RCS group) and as adults (A) attended a post-treatment follow-up on average 21.1 (±7.24) years later (RAS group). A cephalometric radiograph before treatment and a cephalometric radiograph at post-treatment follow-up were traced. These were compared with untreated control (Co) groups of 50 subjects each (RCCo group and RACo group). Questionnaires related to SDB symptoms were administered in the RAS and RACo groups. Results: Small changes in cephalometric measurements were seen comparing patients with (RCS group and RAS group) and without (RCCo group and RACo group) maxillary expansion. Questionnaires were answered similarly by the study (RAS group) and control group (RACo group). Conclusions: Small cephalometric changes were seen between groups. Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Several studies have shown the positive effect of maxillary expansion on SDB symptoms, this study aimed to document whether patients treated with maxillary expansion during childhood can benefit from this intervention concerning Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) at adult age. Study impact: Maxillary expansion during childhood might improve SDB symptoms at adult age.status: submitte