A Cephalometric Study to Evaluate the Variations in Pharyngeal Airway Spaces in Class I and Class II Malcocclusions

Introduction: Ever since the time of Edward H. Angle, the effects of upper airway obstruction have been recognized in the field of craniofacial biology. Because of the close relationship between the pharynx and the dentofacial structures, a mutual interaction is expected to occur between the pharyngeal structures and the dentofacial pattern, and therefore justifies orthodontic interest. The purpose of this study was to compare the upper and lower pharyngeal widths and nasopharyngeal area in class I and class II malocclusion patients. Methods: The study sample consisted of 48 subjects of age group 18-26 years, divided into 2 groups : class I(n=24) and class II (n=24). Pharyngeal airways were assessed according to Mc Namara's analysis and Handelman and Osborne method of measuring pharyngeal widths and nasopharyngeal areas. Results: Independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) in upper aerial width and nasopharyngeal airway area between two groups, showing that in class II cases upper aerial width is narrower and nasopharyngeal area is small when compared to class I cases. Conclusion: Conclusion of the study was that upper aerial width and nasopharyngeal airway area of class II cases were smaller than Class I cases. It was observed that mandibular position with respect to cranial base had an effect on pharyngeal airway.