The effect of total nasal obstruction on the anatomy of craniofacial structures: An animal study

Background and Aims: Nasal obstruction is a common condition among children, in which delaying treatment can stabilize its negative effects on dentoalveolar structures during adulthood. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of total nasal obstruction on the craniofacial structures of rabbits. Materials and Methods: In this animal study, total numbers of 44 rabbits with high genetic proximity were selected. Several metal implants were inserted in the anatomic landmarks of their skulls and then underwent three different types of x-ray exposure (lateral, posterior-anterior and occlusal views). Half of them underwent surgically assisted total nasal obstruction, and the other half were considered as control group. All rabbits were kept in the same environment up to maturation period. Then, they underwent the same x-ray exposures. The primary and final radiographs were traced and various linear and angular were compared between them. Results: The anterior facial height (P=0.01), maxillary depth (P=0.005), articular angle (P=0.005), maxillary and mandibular plan angle were significantly more in the rabbits with total nasal obstruction. However, the interdental width (P=0.005), maxillary perimeter (P=0.005), nasopharyngeal width (P=0.01) and maxillary and mandibular width were significantly less in them. The skull base length (P=0.30), gonial angle (P=0.40), and maxillary length (P=0.10) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Total nasal obstruction had various impacts on the craniofacial structures.