Palate expanders may widen Kids' airways, study finds
NCT ID NCT07456917
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether two types of orthodontic expanders (BREA and MFT) can change airway size, hyoid bone position, and palate shape in 79 children aged 4 to 12. Fifty-five children received expansion treatment, while 24 untreated children served as controls. Results showed that expansion increased some airway measurements and widened the palate, but the study was retrospective and small, so more research is needed to know if these changes lead to real health benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- orthodontic expansion appliances (BREA and MFT)
- What this could lead to
- If confirmed, this could point toward using orthodontic expansion to improve airway dimensions in children with narrow upper jaws.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, retrospective study with no long-term follow-up. The airway changes seen may not translate to meaningful health benefits, and further prospective studies are needed.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Silesian Medical University
Zabrze, Poland
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