Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between soft palate and nasopharyngeal airway dimensions in different mandibular rotation types.

Materials and Method:

A total of 72 lateral cephalograms which were obtained three periods longitudinally from patients (Mean age: 10.7±1.2 years) showing normal (n=8), posterior (n=8) and anterior (n=8) rotation types consisted the material of this research. Soft palate and nasopharyngeal airway measurements were held by using PORDIOS computer programme and the data achieved were evaluated by means of descriptive statistics, paired t-test and variance analysis.

Findings:

A linear increase in soft palate length (SPL) was observed in the three groups and posterior mandibular rotation group showed the largest increase (28.56±4.83, 34.98±2.87). Soft palate length and superior nasopharyngeal space (SPL/SPAS) ratio which is important regarding velopharyngeal closure was found similar in all three groups. Paired t-test results revealed that the ANS-PNS/SPT angle was found statistically significant at p≤0.01 level in the posterior rotation group.

Conclusion:

The relations between velum and nasopharyngeal space was found more significant in posterior mandibular rotation cases when compared to normal and anterior rotation groups. An important conclusion is that the ratio between soft palate length and superior nasopharyngeal space (SPL/SPAS) which plays an important role in velopharyngeal closure as well speech quality, was found unchanged İn three groups which were consisted of individuals showing different quantities of velopharyngeal growth and no misarticulation.

Keywords: Soft Palate, Pharyngeal Airway, Rotation