CBCT analysis of pharyngeal airway volume and comparison of airway volume among patients with skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Objective: To study the influence of skeletal malocclusion on the oropharyngeal airway volume and the difference in the airway volume among gender and the different types of skeletal malocclusion. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 180 full-field of view (FOV) CBCT scans (55 in Class 1, 55 in Class II, and 70 in Class III) were assessed to measure the oropharyngeal airway volume, ANB angle, SNB angle, and Wits appraisal. The values were compared among different skeletal malocclusions and were correlated to gender. Result: There was a significant result in terms of oropharyngeal airway volume among different types of skeletal malocclusion and ANB angle, SNB angle, and Wits appraisal among males and females. Conclusion: CBCT is a cheaper, more convenient option than polysomnography (PSG) when assessing airways, and thus, a maxillofacial radiologist is importantly placed in the assessment of the retropalatal and retroglossal volume of the oropharyngeal airway.