Evaluation of Changes in Upper Airway Dimensions and Subjective Sleep Quality Following Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion: A Questionnaire-Based Study

In this clinical routine, approximately 30% of patients requiring rapid maxillary expansion (RME) are treated using the MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) method. To evaluate the potential benefits of MARPE in reducing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), patients are asked to complete the teen-STOP-BANG questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at the beginning of treatment (T1) and at the end of the 3-month consolidation phase (T2).

To determine whether patients should undergo MARPE or conventional RME, midpalatal suture maturation is assessed as part of the routine protocol using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained before treatment initiation (T1). At the end of the MARPE screw activation period, a follow-up CBCT scan is routinely obtained to evaluate potential complications such as fractures in the zygomatic buttress region, alveolar bending, and the presence of dehiscence or fenestration on root surfaces. This scan also facilitates the controlled initiation of prolonged fixed orthodontic treatment.

Additionally, CBCT images obtained at T1 and T2 will be used to measure and compare the dimensions of the upper airway, including both oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal regions.