What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to assess how rapid maxillary expansion affects the upper airway dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

February 9, 2026

Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Upper Airway Parameters in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

Key Points

The study aims to assess how rapid maxillary expansion affects the upper airway dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
Conducted a prospective case-series longitudinal study.
Included 48 children aged 8 to 10 years with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
Performed rapid maxillary expansion followed by a retention phase.
Measured nasopharyngeal parameters using cone-beam computed tomography and cephalometric radiographs.
Nasal cavity volume increased by 1907 mm³ (P < .001).
Nasopharynx volume increased by 707 mm³ (P = .027).
Minimum cross-sectional area increased by 29.98 mm² (P < .001).
Distance between right and left maxillary sinuses increased by 7.98 mm (P < .001).
Maxilla showed significant inferior dislocation (S-S1, P = .024; N-ANS, P = .017).

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on nasopharyngeal dimensions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design A prospective case-series longitudinal study. Setting Orthodontic Department, School of Dental Sciences. Participants Forty-eight children (30 males and 18 females) aged 8 to 10 years old with UCLP who had maxillary transverse constriction and need maxillary expansion. Intervention RME followed by retention phase. Main outcome Changes in 3-dimensional nasopharyngeal parameters after RME using cephalometric radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Results The CBCT analysis revealed that the nasal cavity increased by 1907 mm 3 ( P .05). Cephalometric measurements revealed a statistically significant inferior dislocation of the maxilla after treatment (S-S1, P = .024; N-ANS, P = .017), increase in the inferior anterior and posterior facial height (S-Go, P = .017; ANS-Me, P = .041; N-Me, P = .020). Conclusion RME treatment increased some nasopharyngeal dimensions in children with UCLP and maxillary constriction.

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