Evaluation of dimensional changes of the nasolacrimal canal after rapid maxillary expansion: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nasolacrimal canal dimensionally and volumetrically after treatment in patients who underwent rapid maxillary expansion.

Materials and methods: A total of 19 patients (12 females, 7 males) with maxillary transverse deficiency, who underwent rapid maxillary expansion were included in the study. Cone beam computed tomography images were analyzed to measure the volume, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, length, and angle of the nasolacrimal duct before and after treatment.

Results: The average age of the patients was 13.8 ± 1.69 years. Statistically significant increases in the volume, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, length, and angle of the nasolacrimal canal were observed after treatment for both the right and left sides. No significant difference was found nasolacrimal canal dimensionally and volumetrically except angle on the left and right side of male and female patients. No significant differences were found in the changes between male and female patients.

Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion resulted in significant dimensional and volumetric increases in the nasolacrimal canal. Although no prior studies have linked maxillary transverse deficiency to nasolacrimal canal obstruction, the findings suggest that RME may be a viable treatment for nasolacrimal canal obstruction under appropriate conditions.