ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) for the treatment of maxillary deficiency and posterior crossbite may induce changes in the vertical dimension. Expanders with occlusal splints have been developed to minimize unwanted vertical effects. OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study used cephalometri radiographs to evaluate the vertical effects of RME using a Hyrax appliance in children with maxillary deficiency. METHOD: Twenty-six patients (11 boys; mean age = 8 years and 5 months) with maxillary deficiency and posterior crossbite were treated using a Hyrax appliance with an acrylic occlusal splint. Radiographs and cephalometric studies were performed before the beginning of the treatment (T1) and after RME active time (T2), at a mean interval of 7 months. Results were compared with normative values. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: At the end of treatment, there were no statistically significant changes, and measurements were similar to the normative values. Data showed that there were no significant effects on vertical growth, which suggests that appliances with occlusal splints may be used to correct transverse deficiencies regardless of the patient's growth pattern.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUÇÃO: o diagnóstico, o tratamento e o acompanhamento de pacientes portadores da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) são essenciais, por se tratar de um distúrbio que pode causar alterações sistêmicas. A efetividade do tratamento da SAOS com aparelhos intrabucais foi demonstrada através de estudos cefalométricos. OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do aparelho de avanço mandibular (Twin Block, TB) no volume das vias aéreas superiores, por meio de tomografia computadorizada Cone-Beam (CBCT). Dezesseis pacientes (6 homens e 10 mulheres) portadores de SAOS leve a moderada, idade média de 47,06 anos, utilizaram um aparelho de avanço mandibular e foram acompanhados por 7 meses, em média. MÉTODOS: foram feitas duas CBCT, sendo uma sem e outra com o aparelho em posição. A segmentação e a obtenção dos volumes das vias aéreas superiores foram realizadas e utilizado o teste t de Student pareado para análise estatística, com 5 por cento de significância. RESULTADOS: houve aumento do volume da via aérea superior com TB quando comparado com o volume sem TB (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: pode-se concluir que o aumento de volume da via aérea superior observado foi associado ao aparelho de avanço mandibular.
INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are crucial because this disorder can cause systemic changes. The effectiveness of OSAS treatment with intraoral devices has been demonstrated through cephalometric studies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a mandibular advancement device (Twin Block, TB) on the volume of the upper airways by means of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Sixteen patients (6 men and 10 women) with mild to moderate OSAS, mean age 47.06 years, wore a mandibular advancement device and were followed up for seven months on average. METHODS: Two CBCT scans were obtained: one with and one without the device in place. Upper airway volumes were segmented and obtained using Student's paired t-tests for statistical analysis with 5 percent significance level. RESULTS: TB use increased the volume of the upper airways when compared with the volume attained without TB (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that this increased upper airway volume is associated with the use of the TB mandibular advancement device.