Reduction of Volumetric and AP Measurements of the Airway in Pseudo-sleep Supine Position vs Standard 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography on Patients With Sleep Apnea

The anatomical changes of the upper airway in a standing vs pseudo-supine position using Carestream Orthodontic Imaging (Volumetric) and Carestream Orthodontic Imaging module (AP measurements) of the patient's airway respectively, have been taken and the obtained results compared. In order to simulate the supine position, patients are placed in a supine position (180 degrees) in a dental exam chair, and asked to relax their lower jaw, allowing it to drop back, simulating their jaw falling back while sleeping. That bite is then captured with a Correct Plus™ Impression Material Superfast. Once the bite material hardens, it locks the bite in place. The patient then stands upright, and CBCT is taken standing while the jaw placement is still pseudo sleep-supine, supported by the bite material.