Dentofacial deformities (DFD) can be defined as defects in the growth and development of facial bones, mainly the upper and lower jaws. It may affect the function or development of other structures, organs and related systems. DFD can alter the dimensions and function of the pharyngeal airway space. Orthognathic surgery is the procedure of choice for the treatment of DFD, and subsequently the effects in related systems.

Objective: The aim of this study was evaluate, through a retrospective analysis of cone beam computed tomographic images (m CBCT), changes in pharyngeal airway space after orthognathic surgery.

Materials and method: Pre and post-operative measurements were taken using CBCT of 100 individuals with DFD who underwent orthognathic surgery.

Results: The CT scans of 63 women and 37 men, with an average age of 23.63 years and average 48.28 days postoperatively, who underwent maxillary advancement, mandibular advancement, maxillomandibular advancement and maxillary advancement in combination with mandibular setback were studied. It was observed that the linear antero-posterior measurements, as well as the lateral and the area of the upper and middle airway spaces had increased in maxillary, mandibular and maxillo-mandibular advancement. The upper airway had increased, while the middle and lower airway did not show significant variability in individuals that underwent maxillary advancement in combination with mandibular setback.

Conclusion: CBCT allows for three-dimensional analysis of changes in the pharyngeal airway space after orthognathic surgery with increases in the space relative to the maxillo/mandibular advancement.