Abstract :
Respiratory orthodontics explores the link between craniofacial growth, dental occlusion, and airway health. Advances in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) have improved airway assessment, supporting orthodontic management of conditions such as pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments including rapid maxillary expansion, Alt-RAMEC, mandibular advancement appliances, and myofunctional therapy can increase airway volume and improve breathing efficiency, particularly in growing patients.Despite promising findings, challenges remain. There is no standard diagnostic threshold for airway compromise, and long-term results are limited. Evidence is mostly from small or heterogeneous studies, making it difficult to form clear clinical guidelines. This review summarizes current high-quality research, identifies persistent gaps, and highlights priorities for future studies. Establishing validated, age-specific airway assessment protocols and fostering collaboration with sleep medicine specialists will help strengthen respiratory orthodontics as an integral part of comprehensive patient care.
Keyword :
Orthodontics, Airway management, Obstructive sleep apnea, Maxillary expansion, Mandibular advancement, Cone-beam computed tomography, Myofunctional therapy, Cephalometry, Polysomnography, Nasal obstruction.