Effects of different hyrax maxillary expansion protocols compared with novel magnetic expansion on the pharyngeal airway and maxillary sinus spaces: A retrospective CBCT-based observational study
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate three-dimensional changes in the maxillary sinus (MS) and pharyngeal airway space (PAS) following rapid (RME), slow (SME), and magnetic maxillary expansion (MME) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 60 patients (35 males, 25 females; mean age 12.83 ± 0.92 years) with transverse maxillary deficiency, allocated equally to RME, SME, and MME groups (n = 20 each). Expansion was carried out according to protocol-specific activation schedules, with appliances retained for three months post-expansion. CBCT scans were obtained at baseline (T1), post-expansion (T2), and after retention (T3). Measurements of MS volume, area, minimum constriction area, and PAS subdivisions (nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx) were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software. An adjusted p-value of
Fields of Study & Subjects
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
Sinusitis and nasal conditions
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Journal of Otolaryngology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 104844–104844
- Publication date
- 23 April 2026
- Language
- EN