Maxillary expansion in the interdisciplinary management of mouth breathing patients.

Abstract

Introduction: Mouth breathing patients may present with a transversally deficient upper jaw. Medical or surgical treatment for mouth breathing, supported by maxillary expansion, has been reported to be effective in correcting this deficiency, improving nasal space and promoting proper respiratory function. In this study, three pediatric cases treated in an interdisciplinary manner between otolaryngology and pediatric dentistry are reported. Case reports: Patient 1, an 8-year-old female, presented with a narrow maxilla, right posterior crossbite, and deep palate, and underwent medication and maxillary expansion with a Hyrax-type appliance after being diagnosed with mouth breathing due to allergic disorders by otolaryngology. Patient 2, a 6-year-old female, and patient 3, a 9-year-old male, were diagnosed with mouth breathing associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy by otolaryngology, requiring surgery to remove the nasal obstruction, followed by expansion with a Hyrax-type appliance, as they had a narrow palate, posterior crossbite, and premature contact at the canine level. In the three cases evaluated, maxillary expansion improved the transverse relationship of the arch, corrected the malocclusion, and increased space in the nasal cavity, thereby improving the breathing pattern. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that an interdisciplinary approach, combining medical or surgical treatment of respiratory conditions with palatal expansion, achieves an adequate transverse relationship, promotes the development of the nasomaxillary complex, and improves respiratory function, highlighting the importance of comprehensive management in these cases.