Abstract :
Introduction: Since the recent paradigm shift is towards the soft tissue considerations, pharyngeal airway evaluation is an important aspect of orthodontic diagnosis as well as treatment planning. Less is known about the effects of extraction of premolars on the pharyngeal airway dimensions in different malocclusions.
Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effects of first premolar extractions on changes in pharyngeal airway in Class II division 1 patients and Class I Bimaxillary protrusion patients treated with fixed mechanotherapy.
Methodology: Pre- and Post- orthodontic treatment lateral cephalograms of 40 patients with Class I Bimaxillary Protrusion and Class II Division 1 Malocclusion were chosen and various cephalometric linear and angular measurements were made.
Results: All the pharyngeal airway dimensional changes and hyoid bone positions in both the groups were non-significant. Among the other variables, skeletal parameters were not statistically significant but significant findings were found in dentoalveolar measurement indicating the amount of retraction of the anterior teeth.
Conclusions: The pharyngeal airway in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion and Class I Bimaxillary Protrusion Malocclusion is not affected by the extractions of the premolars. Further studies by 3-D imaging and dynamic airway resistance studies are required to validate these results.
Keyword :
Pharyngeal airway, Class II division 1 malocclusion, Class I Bimaxillary Protrusion malocclusion