Imaging tests in the assessment of the upper airways in orthognathic surgery

The treatment of type II and III malocclusion sometimes requires orthognathic surgery. Such a technique is able to correct dento-skeletal deficiencies, restore facial harmony and occlusion, but it can also directly boost the anatomy of the upper airways. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate the effects of orthognathic surgery on the upper airways and the imaging tests that can be used to visualize the area. Initially, 98 abstracts of published scientific articles were evaluated, and by adopting the eligibility criteria, the 21 articles that make up this narrative review remained. Most studies examine changes in the pharyngeal airways using lateral cephalometric radiography. Although lateral cephalometric radiography provides only two-dimensional information of the pharyngeal airway, it is still a popular method for evaluating craniofacial structures and sleep apnea. Dental professionals should be aware that airway dimensions can be affected by skeletal patterns. Therefore, when surgery is considered, it is advisable that possible dimensional changes in the airway be studied for each patient. The use of large field of view CT may be indicated in the pretreatment examination of asymmetric patients for whom this procedure would have obvious benefits. Therefore, CT can be considered as part of the pre-treatment examination of asymmetric patients due to its advantages of providing high resolution and diagnostic accuracy. Dental professionals should be aware that airway dimensions can be affected by skeletal patterns. Therefore, when surgery is considered, it is advisable that possible dimensional changes in the airway be studied for each patient.