Oropharyngeal complex differences related to sex and occlusal factors in adolescents aged 12-17 years.

Objective: To investigate oropharyngeal complex differences related to sex and occlusal factors in adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 patients aged 12-17 years. The oropharyngeal complex was evaluated by imaging exams. Occlusal variables included molar relationship, facial growth pattern, maxilla shape, tooth loss, anterior crossbite, and anterior open bite. Statistical analysis included independent -test, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The significance level was 5%.

Results: There were increases of the tongue measurement ( = 0.026) and the hyoid approach at the base of the mandible among boys ( = 0.016) and the distance from the hyoid at the base of the mandible among girls ( = 0.039). There was shortening of the soft palate measurements ( = 0.003 and = 0.007) and tongue ( = 0.018) among adolescents with an anterior crossbite.

Conclusion: Findings suggest sex, age, and anterior crossbite can be related to oropharyngeal morphology.