Alterations in nasal airway resistance following superior repositioning of the maxilla

Abstract

Superior repositioning of the maxilla is a contemporary surgical procedure used to correct a variety of dentofacial deformities, including vertical maxillary excess. Concern for the effect of this procedure on nasal respiration is warranted, since superior repositioning of the maxilla may decrease the volume of the nasal cavity. In this study pre- and postoperative nasal-resistance values were obtained for 52 patients who underwent superior repositioning of the maxilla by the LeFort I downfracture procedure. Of these 52 patients, 24 underwent segmental osteotomies and 28 underwent one-piece superior repositioning. Results indicate that the long-faced persons for whom superior repositioning of the maxilla is recommended usually have pretreatment nasal-resistance values within previously reported normal ranges. Superior repositioning of the maxilla, with or without involvement of the nasal floor, usually results in decreased nasal resistance.