상악궁 확장을 통한 폐쇄성 수면무호흡 치료

Abstract

Patients having obstructive sleep apnea frequently present malocclusion such as maxillary constriction, pos terior crossbite, and long face. Maxillary expansion has been addressed to correct the malocclusion and to improve obstructive sleep apnea. In growing patients, rapid palatal expander (RPE) can separate the midpalatal suture and expand the maxilla, which results in increase of volume in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx as well as increase of the cross-sectional area. In non-growing patients, miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander can be used for the same effect. Maxillary expansion can be used for correction of obstructive sleep apnea in case of maxillary constriction.