Understanding the Naso-Maxillary Complex
April 30, 2024
Do you struggle to breathe at night?
Recent orthodontic research has revealed that the size and shape of the naso-maxillary complex affect not only the shape of the face but also breath volume and sleep quality. Rather than thinking about the upper jaw as the "maxilla," today we use the term "naso-maxillary complex," where we understand that the roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose. This area is crucial as it forms part of the upper airway and determines the breadth of our nasal passages.
The research highlights the influence of the naso-maxillary complex size on conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which impedes smooth breathing during sleep. A notable 2022 study by Kang and colleagues with 100 adolescents revealed that smaller naso-maxillary complexes are linked to narrower airways, potentially worsening OSA symptoms.
For anyone dealing with daily breathing issues, there is good news!
Orthodontic intervention, in the form of maxillary expansion, has proven effective in enhancing breathing by widening the upper jaw. A 2014 study by Bouserhal documented a 12% increase in naso-maxillary complex volume and a 17% rise in nasal volume after maxillary expansion. Haralambidis's 2009 research confirmed these findings, noting significant improvements in nasal volume and healthier nasal breathing among adolescents.
Dr. Rebecca Bockow and Dr. Cassie Truong have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of your life. Better nasal breathing is possible through orthodontic intervention. - maxillary expansion can help improve your quality of sleep and overall well-being. If you or a loved one might benefit from improved nasal volume, schedule your consultation at Inspired Orthodontics today.
At Inspired Orthodontics we love caring for our patients! Please contact us to make an appoinment with our orthodontists in Seattle and Bellevue.
We offer our patients in Seattle braces, Seattle orthodontic expansion, Seattle Invisalign, Seattle sleep apnea treatment, and Seattle surgical orthodontic treatment. We offer our patients in Bellevue braces, Bellevue orthodontic expansion, Bellevue Invisalign, Bellevue sleep apnea treatment, and Bellevue surgical orthodontic treatment.