A review of the effects of expansion of the nasal base on nasal airflow and resistance.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the current literature regarding nasal airflow resistance. The anatomy and physiology of nasal airflow resistance will be examined and the known effects of widening of the nasal airway upon airflow will be described.


METHODS
This article is a review of the current literature regarding nasal airflow and resistance and the effects of widening of the nasal base. No patient data were collected.


RESULTS
The literature shows that nasal airflow resistance can be changed by surgical manipulation and by rapid palatal expansion, but that the effects on airflow resistance and future growth and development are unpredictable.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a maxilla that is constricted in the transverse dimension and nasal airflow problems may benefit from expansion of the nasal base. The resultant effects upon nasal airflow resistance and subsequent growth and development are unpredictable and therefore airflow issues alone may not be a primary reason to increase the transverse dimension of the nasal base.
Neeley
Wendell W
WW
University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio, TX 78258, USA. jediorthodontist@gmail.com
Edgin
Wendell A
WA
Gonzales
David A
DA
D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*