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RAPID MAXILLARY EXPANSION A STABLE PROCEDURE FOR IMPROVING THE NASAL AIRWAY
Author(s) -
Brogan W. F.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1977.tb130598.x
Subject(s) - medicine , nasal cavity , maxilla , airway , breathing , nasal septum , deformity , reduction (mathematics) , surgery , nose , dentistry , anesthesia , geometry , mathematics
This treatment is based on the treatment of over 900 cases of defective nasal airway, referred for both medical and dental reasons; the assessment and follow up of 516 cases referred for medical reasons; and a radiological investigation into the anatomical movements produced in 120 cases of rapid maxillary expansion (RME). RME is a simple and effective means of producing a stable, long‐term improvement in selected cases of defective nasal airway. The stability of the technique derives from the essentially natural movement of the separated segments in the direction of normal growth and the long retention period which allows new bone to be laid down in the separated sutures. Cases are selected on a basis of narrowing or obstruction in the nasal cavity, usually associated with a septal deviation, a narrow maxilla and a unilateral or bilateral crossbite. The medical indications are poor nasal airway associated with septal deformity, allergic rhinitis, recurrent nasal or ear infection and asthma. Treatment by RME produces an increase in the flow capacity of the nasal cavity without any internal scarring of the cavity walls. As a result of the improvement in nasal volume, approximately 80% of patients change from habitual mouth breathing to a normal cycle of nasal breathing. This produces a marked reduction in nasal and ear infections and prolonged remission of symptoms in one‐third of the asthma cases treated.