Effects of premolar extraction on airway dimensions: A retrospective cephalometric appraisal

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of retraction of anterior teeth on pharyngeal airway dimensions, after orthodontic treatment of bimaxillary protrusion cases by means of the extraction of four premolars. Method: A total of 88 lateral cephalometric radiograph pairs, consisting of a pre-treatment and post-treatment radiograph taken for orthodontic treatment of bimaxillary protrusion by means of extraction of four premolars, was used. The pharyngeal airway space, measured across three different levels, as well as the length of the maxilla and mandible were assessed for changes from pre-treatment to post-treatment. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the degree to which the change in pharyngeal airway space was associated with the change in maxilla or mandible length. Results: The pre-treatment average pharyngeal airway space measurements were recorded as 15.23mm for the Superior Pharyngeal Airway Space, 11.63mm for the Middle Pharyngeal Airway Space and 13.56mm for the Inferior Pharyngeal Airway Space. The average reduction in the pharyngeal airway space was noted as 1.21mm, 1.64mm and 2.23mm respectively. All with statistically significant P values of <0.001.