Impact of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Nasal Volume
March 27, 2024
Have you heard of rapid maxillary expansion (RME)? RME is a treatment orthodontists use to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow. A 2009 study conducted by Haralmbidis et al. sheds light on a correlation between orthodontic intervention and respiratory health. The study looked at the nasal cavity volume, which is how much airflow space there is inside the nose before and after the RME treatment.
They observed any changes in the nose's shape and size using 3-dimensional computer imaging before and after the upper jaw was widened and found that the nasal volume increased by an average of 11.3%. The significant increase in nasal cavity volume post-treatment highlights the direct benefits of RME and supports the procedure's merit. Widening the upper jaw is known to help with crowding and dental health but could also make breathing easier for many people to improve overall respiratory function.
Are you struggling with breathing difficulties? Schedule your consultation with Inspired Orthodontics today to explore if rapid maxillary expansion is the right step toward improving your dental health and enhancing your nasal cavity volume for easier breathing.
View the 2009 RME Study at the National Library of Medicine website.
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