title: Nasal cavity volume changes after rapid maxillary expansion in adolescents evaluated with 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal cavity volume by using 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 15 patients (9 boys, 6 girls; mean age, 13.86 years) with maxillary constriction. Computed tomography scans were obtained before treatment and 6 months after the end of expansion. All computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the nasal cavity and maxillary teeth were segmented by using the Mimics and Simplant Ortho software programs (both, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Paired samples t tests were used to compare pretreatment and posttreatment nasal cavity volumes and maxillary areas. Data analysis was performed by using the software program SPSS for Windows (version 15.00; SPSS, Chicago, Ill).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rapid maxillary expansion treatment induced significant increases in nasal cavity volume (P ≤ 0.001) and maxillary transverse dimensions (P ≤ 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both anterior-to-posterior and coronal-to-cranial expansions were observed after rapid maxillary expansion treatment, with the direction of expansion most likely affected by resistance from the cranial bones.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Center of Dental Science, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. serkangorgulu@hotmail.com
authors: Serkan
authors: S
authors: Görgülü
authors: Sila Mermut
authors: SM
authors: Gokce
authors: Huseyin
authors: H
authors: Olmez
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Sagdic
authors: Fatih
authors: F
authors: Ors
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D055171:Nasal Cartilages / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software