Dental Arch Morphology as a Predictor of Sleep Disordered Breathing

Abstract

Objective: There is limited data available regarding dental arch morphology and its association with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). The objective of the study was to compare the dental arch morphology of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea-Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS) and of those without any symptoms of SDB. Patients/Methods: A total of 600 subjects were included in the study and were divided into two groups of 300 subjects each (390 men and 210 women); Group 1: Patient group; Group 2: Control group. The test and control subjects were well matched for age and gender. A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed and specific measurements were made on dental study models with digital calipers to ensure precise and accurate measurement of anatomic distances. Results: Analyses were able to detect statistically significant changes (P<0.05) in maxillary and mandibular dental arch and alveolar width dimensions. The prevalence of recorded malocclusions in the OSA group in terms of molar/canine relation was also high, with most of the test subjects having an Angle's Class II malocclusion. Conclusions: Indian adults with OSA have a dental arch morphology, which is different from that of normal subjects, of similar age and gender. It is necessary to give due consideration to the evaluation of the dental arch morphology of patients with SDB before the appropriate treatment is offered.

Is There a Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Dental Arch Form in Adult Patients? An Observational Retrospective Study

“…The mean upper arch width of the OSA group has also been shown to be narrower in the canine region and wider in the premolar and molar regions when compared to the non-OSA group. 31 Moreover, mandibular arches of the OSA group were narrower in the canine region and wider in the premolar and molar areas. 31 Looking at width and depth independently is not adequate to evaluate arch form because these parameters are affected by arch size as well as by arch form.…”

“…31 Moreover, mandibular arches of the OSA group were narrower in the canine region and wider in the premolar and molar areas. 31 Looking at width and depth independently is not adequate to evaluate arch form because these parameters are affected by arch size as well as by arch form. To overcome this limitation, arch form could be represented by a mathematical equation.…”

“…29 Few studies have been carried out on the correlation between adult patients' arch parameters and the presence of OSA, with inconclusive results. [19][20][21]30,31 Methodologic limitations include the use of questionnaires for the screening of OSA for the selection of the control group, whereas the diagnosis of OSA absence should be based on PSG criteria. 23 Moreover, the measurements were often taken on bidimensional images and limited to the upper arch.…”

Role of Malocclusion and Craniofacial Morphology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

“…High prevalence of malocclusions in relation to the molar/canine region has been reported in the OSA group, with 60% of the OSA subjects demonstrating an Angle's class II malocclusion. 41 Furthermore, a critical evidence-based appraisal by Patel and Nagle 42 substantiated the consistent role of class II malocclusion in the etiopathogenesis of OSA disorder. Considering the multifactorial causes of OSA, it has also been reported that higher incidence of OSA appears to be associated with classes I and II malocclusions.…”

Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Developing Malocclusion in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Crossbite and open bite malocclusions and the effects of increased upper airway resistance on the dental arch morphology were shown to be associated with SDB in Brazilian and Finnish children respectively [ 6 , 7 ]. Indian adults with SDB had a dental arch abnormality with 60% of the test subjects having an angle class II malocclusion [ 8 ]. In a previous pilot study by the same authors, the prevalence of SDB in Indian children was reported to be 48.57% [ 9 ].…”