Age-Related Airway Changes Important in Orthodontic Treatment Planning: Study
Age-related changes in the airway should be carefully considered during orthodontic treatment planning. Individualized airway assessment and interdisciplinary management are essential to optimize treatment outcomes, preserve respiratory function, and ensure long-term patient well-being. The study was published in the Annals of African Medicine conducted by Carol W. and colleagues.
For a systematic analysis of the interplay between aging, craniofacial morphology, and different dentofacial therapies, a thorough literature search was conducted using major electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All study selection, screening, and qualitative synthesis were done in strict accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.
Inclusion criteria included any study that investigated age-related changes in upper airway volume, differences in vertical and sagittal skeletal morphology, neuromuscular tone changes, and the effect of particular orthodontic and orthognathic therapies on the volume, from premolar extraction treatment to mandibular advancement devices and orthognathic surgery.
Key findings:
- Results from the synthesis using the PRISMA-ScR method for systematic literature database searches revealed different dimensional and functional relationships in different age groups and treatment methods.
- Aging was consistently associated with the physiological reduction in total upper airway volume and reduction in neuromuscular tone, as well as soft-tissue laxity along with an increase in dynamic pharyngeal collapsibility.
- In all the different orthodontic methods assessed, premolar extraction technique caused little clinically significant reduction in airway when done with good biomechanical control of force application.
- Good expansion and functional improvement in airway occurred via mandibular advancement devices and orthognathic surgery.
Therefore, there is conclusive evidence showing that age-dependent remodeling of the upper airways is a direct factor that affects the outcome of treatment as well as the functional stability in adult orthodontic patients. The findings of the study suggest that age-dependent airway changes should be considered important planning factors.
Reference:
Lobo, C. W., Ponraj, R. R., Singh, R., & Lobo, S. A. (2026). Age-related Upper Airway Changes and Their Significance in Orthodontic Treatment Planning: A Scoping ReviewAnnals of African Medicine https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_911_26
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