Investigating the dynamic relationship of sleep-disordered breathing, orthodontic treatment needs, and dental esthetics in the general population

BACKGROUND Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is characterized by upper airway dysfunction and is linked to severe health issues. Individuals with SDB have distinct craniofacial morphology for which orthodontists are most suitable for the management due to their dental expertise. AIM This study aims to discern key differences in dental parameters between individuals with and without SDB. METHODS The present study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted for 12 months. Out of 70 participants, 35 were placed in the SDB group as per the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and 35 in the control aged 18–22 years. Criteria excluded individuals with preexisting illnesses, missing teeth, tonsillectomy, orthodontic or jaw surgeries, cleft lip/palate, or craniofacial anomalies. Dental assessments included interdental width, palatal vault depth and shape, molar relation, overjet, and overbite. In addition, self-perceived orthodontic treatment needs were evaluated as a secondary measure. RESULTS In the SDB group, interdental distances were significantly reduced in the canine, first premolars, second premolars, and molar regions by 2, 3, 4, and 1.8 mm, respectively. A noticeable V-shaped arch was observed. Overjet and overbite increased by 42.85% and 31.42%, respectively, with Class 1 malocclusion more prevalent than Class 2. The Berlin questionnaire identified 54.3% as high-risk SDB. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Esthetic Component (IOTN-AC) revealed that 68.6% of snoring participants required orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION Individuals with SDB exhibit a constricted maxilla and reduced interdental measurements, indicating a moderate risk. The Berlin questionnaire proves valuable in assessing SDB severity. Moreover, individuals displaying signs of SDB often present a high prevalence of orthodontic treatment needs, as indicated by the IOTN-AC.