3D Evaluation of Upper Airway Morphological Changes in Growing Patients with Class II Malocclusion Using Sander Bite Jumping Appliance

Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrognathia is associated with a posterior positioning of the tongue and the hyoid bone, reducing the oropharyngeal volume. This could be a contributing factor to the development of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. This study evaluates the oropharyngeal volume variation in 13 patients with class II malocclusion undergoing functional orthopedic treatment with Sander Bite Jumping Appliance (SBJ). CBCT scans were performed before treatment (T0) and approximately after 12.5 months (T1): the retropalatal volume and retroglossal volume were quantified in mm(3) using a segmentation software. At T1, the retropalatal volume increased in 2523 +/- 2088 mm(3), and the retroglossal volume increased in 2258 +/- 1717 mm(3). Both values were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This widening of the airways may allow prevention and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.