Analysis of rapid maxillary expansion effects on nasal soft tissues widths.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the variations in nasal dimensions in prepubertal patients associated with RME therapy compared with an untreated age matched control group. METHODS: A group of 61 subjects (26 F, 35 M; mean age 10.5+/-1.8 years) was enrolled in the study to undergo a rapid maxillary expansion therapy; 41 subjects (26 F, 15 M; mean age 10.7+/-2.2 years) were enrolled as a control group. Both groups underwent nasal soft tissues width measurements using a caliper at three separate time points: T0 - prior to the placement of RME; T1 - after completion of active expansion phase; T2 - at the removal of the expander (nearly 6 months after T1). RESULTS: The ANOVA showed statistically significant increments (P<0.0001) of the greater alar cartilage (GAC) measurement (0.8+/-0.2 mm) in the study group, differences for the AB measurements were not statistically significant (P=0.0784). CONCLUSION: The treatment of rapid maxillary expansion can induce an increase in GAC soft tissues width of about 1 mm in prepubertal patients. This increase could not be considered of clinical impact. The alar base width increase less than GAC, this increase is without statistical significance.