Effects of maxillary protraction and fixed appliance therapy on the pharyngeal airway

To evaluate the long-term outcome of treatment with reverse headgear in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion diagnosed as maxillary deficient. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients (11 girls, 14 boys; mean age, 11.32 years) treated with a reverse headgear appliance were included in this study. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and 4-year follow-up cephalometric radiographs were obtained; linear, angular, and area measurements were performed. Comparison of treatment and observation changes was performed using a paired t-test. Results: A significant increase was found in the forward movement of the maxilla, which was maintained 4 years after reverse headgear treatment. Treatment changes revealed significant increases in the sagittal dimensions and area of nasopharyngeal airway and remained significant at the end of the 4-year follow-up period. The oropharyngeal airway area increased nonsignificantly after the treatment, but significant increases occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusions: In young individuals diagnosed with maxillary deficiency treated with reverse headgear, the nasopharyngeal airway dimensions were improved after the treatment, and favorable effects of the treatment remained over the posttreatment period of 4 years. (Angle Orthod. 2009; 79:660–667.) KEY WORDS: Airway; Pharyngeal dimension; Reverse headgear treatment