3D evaluation of cranial and dentofacial morphological differences between individuals with mouth breathing and nasal breathing

Introduction

The present study aimed to identify the morphological differences in cranial and dentofacial structures between individuals with mouth-breathing and nasal-breathing.

Materials and Methods

The study included 120 individuals, 60 each in the nasal breathing (NB) and mouth breathing (MB) groups. 3D stereophotogrammetry, lateral cephalometric radiographs, and intraoral examination results were recorded by the researchers to determine the morphological differences between the MB group and the NB group. The study utilized cephalometric radiographs for 2D hard tissue measurements and 3D stereophotogrammetric records for linear and angular measurements.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between the NB and MB groups’ SNB angles (respectively, 79.3 ± 3.04, 76.6 ± 4.24, and p = 0.002). Also, the NB group's SN-GoGn angle was lower than the MB group's (respectively, 31.5 ± 5.12, 36.0 ± 5.55, and p = 0.002). Considering the Jarabak ratio, the NB group's Jarabak ratio was higher than the MB group (respectively,65.7 ± 4.16, 62.6 ± 4.10, and p = 0.014). In 3D stereophotogrammetry measurements, increased Li-Me’ was detected in the MB group than in NB group.

Conclusion

Mouth breathing results in significant morphological differences that affect the development of both soft tissues and skeletal structures. Orthodontists utilize these characteristic features observed in mouth-breathing anomalies for early diagnosis and consider referring their patients for medical treatment of mouth breathing.