Evaluation of upper and lower pharyngeal airway widths in Class-I and Class-II malocclusion with different growth patterns

Many studies have suggested co-relation among facial type, malocclusion and pharyngeal airway. Any impairment in pharyngeal airway can lead to certain type of malocclusion or change in facial pattern. The aim of this study is to evaluate upper and lower pharyngeal airway widths in Angle’s Class-I and Class-II malocclusions with different growth patterns. Lateral cephalograms of 40 untreated patients were categorized in four groups based on malocclusion (either Angle’s Class-I or Class-II malocclusion) and type of growth pattern (vertical or horizontal) using certain cephalometric values. For each patient upper and lower pharyngeal airway width were measured according to McNamara’s analysis. Statistical analysis was performed for inter and intra-group comparisons. Results showed decreased upper pharyngeal airway width in both Angle’s Class-I and Class-II malocclusions with vertical growth pattern than horizontal growth pattern. Significant differences were also observed in lower pharyngeal airway in Angle’s Class-I malocclusion with vertical and horizontal growth pattern. Overall comparison of upper and lower pharyngeal airway widths in both type of growth patterns showed increased pharyngeal airway width in horizontal growers. No differences were seen in upper and lower pharyngeal airways based on age and sex of an individual.