Comparison of cephalometric and volumetric evaluation of the pharyngeal airway space

Abstract

Cephalometric radiographs allow basic measurements of upper airway dimensions. The size and shape of the airway can be altered by head posture and position. There is increased interest in the morphology and dimensions of the upper airway since cone beam tomography became available. Presently it is the best tool for such evaluations because it uses lower radiation doses, the cost is lower, access is easy and it demands less acquisition time than medical computed tomographies. The objective of this study is to correlate two methods of evaluation of the upper airway, volumetric and cephalometric, in 16 dental deformity patients.(AU)