Changes In Dental Occlusion Research Articles

Analysis of Etiological Factors of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Associated with Reconstructive Changes in Dental Occlusion

Analysis of Etiological Factors of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Associated with Reconstructive Changes in Dental Occlusion

Oral Health Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Literature Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. While the systemic implications of OSA are well documented, the dental consequences are less frequently discussed yet equally significant. This review aims to elucidate the oral health impacts of OSA, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to identify studies examining the relationship between OSA and various oral health parameters. The review included observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English up to January 2024. OSA was significantly associated with heightened risks of bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal and dental changes, and alterations in taste sensation. Mouth breathing associated with OSA was a critical factor in exacerbating xerostomia and dental caries. Furthermore, the systemic inflammation induced by OSA appeared to correlate with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients using oral appliance therapy for OSA also showed notable changes in dental occlusion and required ongoing dental monitoring. The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and oral health, highlighting the need for dental professionals to be integral participants in the management of OSA. Early dental evaluation and intervention can contribute to the overall health and quality of life of individuals with OSA. The review advocates for the development of clinical guidelines to facilitate the early identification and management of OSA-related oral health issues within dental practice and encourages a collaborative approach to patient care.

Biological and psychological factors affecting the sensory and jaw motor responses to orthodontic tooth movement.

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is associated with an inflammatory response, tooth pain (i.e. orthodontic pain) and changes in dental occlusion. Clinical realms and research evidence suggest that the sensory and jaw motor responses to OTM vary significantly among individuals. While some adjust well to orthodontic procedures, others may not and can experience significant pain or not adjust to occlusal changes. This is of concern, as clinicians cannot anticipate an individual's sensorimotor response to OTM. Converging evidence shows that some psychological states and traits significantly affect the sensorimotor response to OTM and may considerably affect an individual's adaptation to orthodontic or other dental procedures. We performed a topical review to synthesize the available knowledge about the behavioural mechanisms regulating the sensorimotor response to OTM, with the intent of informing orthodontic practitioners and researchers about specific psychological states and traits that should be considered while planning orthodontic treatment. We report on studies focusing on the role of anxiety, pain catastrophising, and somatosensory amplification (i.e. bodily hypervigilance), on sensory and jaw motor responses. Psychological states and traits can significantly affect sensory and jaw motor responses and a patient's adaptation to orthodontic procedures, although large interindividual variability exists. Clinicians can use validated instruments (checklists or questionnaires) to collect information about patients' psychological traits, which can assist in identifying those individuals who may not adjust well to orthodontic procedures. The information included in this manuscript also assists researchers investigating the effect of orthodontic procedures and or/appliances on orthodontic pain.

Oral appliance influence on jaw function in obstructive sleep apnea

Oral appliance (OA) therapy in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be a risk factor for normal jaw function, given the prolonged effect of an OA in keeping the mandible in a protruded position away from a normal position. This study aimed to assess changes in symptoms and clinical findings related to jaw function after 1 year of treating OSA with an OA. In this follow-up clinical trial, 302 patients with OSA were assigned to treatment with either monobloc or bibloc OA. Baseline and 1-year follow-up assessment included using the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, self-reported symptoms and signs related to jaw function. The clinical examination of jaw function included mandibular mobility, dental occlusion, and tenderness in the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. Descriptive analyses of variables are presented for the per-protocol population. To evaluate differences between the baseline and the 1-year follow-up, paired Student t tests and the McNemar change test was used. One-hundred and ninety-two patients completed the 1-year follow-up (male 73%, mean aged 55 ± 11 years). There was no change in the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale score at the follow-up (nonsignificant). The patients described no change in symptoms at the follow-up, except for improvements in morning headache (P<0.001) and increased frequency of difficulties in opening the mouth or chewing on awakening (P= 0.002). Subjectively reported changes in dental occlusion during biting/chewing increased significantly at the follow-up (P= 0.009). No changes in measurements of jaw mobility, dental occlusion, or pain on palpation of the temporomandibular joints or masticatory muscles were seen at the follow-up. Thus, using an OA in treating OSA had limited influence on jaw functions and related symptoms. Moreover, the risk of developing pain and functional impairment in the masticatory system was infrequent, indicating that this treatment is safe and can be recommended.

The relation of temporomandibular disorders and dental occlusion: a narrative review.

The term temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompasses a variety of disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJD) and the associated musculature (MMD). Occlusion and its role in the genesis of TMDs is one of the most controversial topics in this arena. The objective of the narrative review was to summarize the implications of TMDs and its relationship to dental occlusion in two scenarios: 1) TMD as an etiologic factor in dental occlusal changes; 2) The role of dental occlusion as a causative factor in the genesis of TMDs. Indexed databases were searched from January 1951 to August 2021 using the terms TMJ, TMD, temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint, and dental occlusion. There is lack of good primary research evaluating true association and showing the cause-and-effect relationship between dental occlusion and TMD. Systematic reviews suggest that the role of occlusion as a primary factor in the genesis of TMDs is low to very low. However, a variety of TMDs can lead to secondary changes in dental occlusion. Distinction between the two is paramount for successful management.

Association between speech and dental occlusion changes in children with cleft lip and palate and time of primary plastic surgeries

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the changes in speech and dental occlusion in children with cleft lip and palate and verify their association with each other and with the time of primary plastic surgeries. Methods: a cross-sectional study with collected data on the subjects’ identification, age at the time of primary surgeries, and clinical assessment of speech and dental occlusion. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test were used to verify the associations between the variables at the 5% significance level (p &lt; 0.05). Results: the sample comprised 11 children aged 6 to 10 years, most of whom were males, self-reported white, with trans-incisive foramen cleft, predominantly on the left side. The mean age at lip repair surgery was 6 months, and 13 months at palatoplasty. Among the main dental occlusion changes, posterior and anterior crossbite stood out. All the subjects presented changed speech, with a prevalence of cases with dentoalveolar and palatine deformities, followed by passive and active changes. Subjects with anterior crossbite tended to have undergone primary lip repair surgery at a mean of four months earlier than the subjects without anterior crossbite. Conclusions: the associations between speech and dental occlusion changes, and between these and the time of primary plastic surgeries were not statistically significant. Even though it is known that early lip repair surgery is ideal to favor oral functions and aesthetics, the results revealed a tendency towards anterior crossbite, in these subjects.

Prosthodontic Management of Bruxer Patients: A Review

Based on published studies of the relationship between prosthodontics and bruxism, an attempt was made to draw conclusions about the existence of a possible relationship between the two, with a focus on the potential cause-and-effect implications and on the strategies for planning prosthetic treatments in patients with bruxism. PubMed searches were conducted using the terms ‘bruxism’ and ‘prosthetic treatment’, as well as combinations of these and related terms. The few studies judged to be relevant were critically reviewed, in addition to papers found during an additional manual search of reference lists within selected articles. No clinical trials of the reviewed topics were found, and a comprehensive review relying on the best available evidence was provided. Bruxism is a common parafunctional habit, occurring both during sleep and wakefulness. Usually, it causes few serious effects but can do so in some patients. The etiology is multifactorial. No evidence-based guidelines were available for the best strategy for managing prosthetic needs in patients with TMDs and/or bruxism. This review revealed an absence of RCTs on the various topics concerning the relationship between bruxism and prosthodontics. Based on the best available evidence, bruxism may be included among the risk factors and is associated with increased mechanical and/or technical complications in prosthodontic rehabilitation, although it seems not to affect implant survival. Prosthetic changes in dental occlusion are not yet accepted as strategies for solving or helping individual stop bruxism. When prosthetic intervention is indicated in a patient with bruxism, efforts should be made to reduce the effects of likely heavy occlusal loading on all the components that contribute to prosthetic structural integrity.

Applied kinesiology and dentistry – A narrative review

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the use of applied kinesiology in the field of dentistry. Methods A review of the literature was carried out looking for all articles written on the topic. PubMed, Ovid Medline, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched. Results Only one study was retrieved on the use of applied kinesiology in temporomandibular disorder patients, and only one study was published on dental material testing. A change in muscle strength associated with changes in dental occlusion has been observed in many of the articles selected. Discussion The use of applied kinesiology for the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies in the field of dentistry is not supported by scientific evidence. However, a relationship between dental occlusion or maxillo-mandibular relationship and isometric muscle strength has been noted.

CBCT Analysis of Changes in Dental Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joints before and after MEAW Orthotherapy in Patients with Nonlow Angle of Skeletal Class III.

This study focus on the changes of the position and morphology of jaw and condyle after MEAW (the multiloop edgewise arch wire) treatment in adults with a nonlow angle (mean angle or high angle SN − MP > 27°) of skeletal class III (mild to moderate skeletal classs III means −5° < ANB < 0°) malocclusions measured by CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). Twenty adult patients (aged 17-26) with a nonlow angle of skeletal class III malocclusions were selected in this study taken orthodontic treatment by MEAW. CBCT was taken before and after the treatment to analyze the changes of the jaw and condyle. After treatment, the angle of L7-MP decreased 12.2°, L6-MP decreased 10.5°, L1-MP decreased 8.8° (P < 0.001 for each) and U1-SN increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant changes between anterior and posterior APDI index and between anterior and posterior spaces of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) (P > 0.05). The linear ratio of the TMJ was the LR > 12 before treatment, while it was −12 < LR < 12 after treatment; however, there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). There was also no significant change in anterior and posterior position and morphology of the condyle within the joint fossa after the treatment by MEAW in this study. MEAW technology in correcting the class III with nonlow angle patients mainly relies on the compensation of distally and posterior mandibular teeth, rather than the mandible and condyle moving backward to establish a neutral occlusal. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (No. KYJJ2013002).

A kinematic analysis on the immediate effects of occlusal splints in gait and running body sway patterns

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to determine whether changes in dental occlusion are correlated to body posture during walking and running. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects were assessed by a prosthodontist and deemed asymptomatic. Analyses of gait and running were performed in three conditions, in random order: a) occlusal splint; b) placebo splint; and c) no splint. The occlusal splint used in this study positioned the mandible in a stable position. Kinematic data was collected using a 3D motion capture system. Results: Changes in dental occlusion induced by occlusal splints did not influence body sway during gait or running. No significant differences were found between any of the test conditions. Conclusion: Occlusal splints have no effect on body sway during gait or running. High inter-subject variability in kinematic parameters was found, which should be considered in future studies.

Dental side effects of long-term obstructive sleep apnea therapy: a 10-year follow-up study.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are usually treated with either mandibular advancement device (MAD) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in dental occlusion associated with long-term MAD and CPAP therapy. Data from 14 OSA patients using MAD and 17 OSA patients using CPAP therapy were evaluated at baseline, 2-year and 10-year follow-up. Changes in dental occlusion were analyzed from dental plaster casts with a digital sliding caliper. At 2-year follow-up, MAD therapy resulted in significant dental changes when compared with baseline values. In MAD therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 1.1 ± 1.8mm and 1.1 ± 1.2mm respectively. With CPAP therapy overjet and overbite decreased significantly with 0.2 ± 0.5mm and 0.3 ± 0.5mm, respectively. Both groups also showed significant changes in molar occlusion. After a 10-year follow-up, significant and more pronounced changes were seen in overjet and overbite. In MAD therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 3.5 ± 1.5mm and 2.9 ± 1.5mm respectively when compared with baseline values. In CPAP therapy, overjet and overbite decreased with 0.7 ± 1.5mm and 0.8 ± 1.4mm respectively when compared with baseline values. This study demonstrates that MAD and CPAP therapy result in significant changes in dental occlusion. These changes appear progressive and more pronounced with MAD compared to CPAP therapy. Long-term OSA treatment results in significant dental side effects that may progress over time. Informed consent is fundamental before starting MAD treatment and individualized long-term follow-up is of eminent importance.

The effects of occlusal splints on gait and running patterns. A kinematic analysis

Introduction: The relationship between dental occlusion and static body posture has been researched and debated in some publications [1–3]. Far less attention has been spent on studying the same relationship, but with regards to human locomotion, with only a scarce number of studies addressing the matter. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if changes in dental occlusion are correlated to body posture while walking and running. Materials and methods: This study enrolled fifteen healthy subjects (age: 21.13 ± 2.53 yrs), assessed by an expert dentist and deemed asymptomatic for temporomandibular disorders. Gait and running analysis was randomly performed on a treadmill in three different conditions: a) Occlusal splint; b) Placebo splint and c) No splint (control). The occlusal splint used in this study positioned the temporomandibular joint in a centric relation position. Kinematic data were collected using a 3D motion capture, consisting five high speed cameras system, for body horizontal sway (shoulders, anterior and posterior superior iliac spine) and vertical sway (spine). This research was approved by the ethics committee of the Faculdade de Motricidade Humana for use of human research (6/2016). Results: The use of occlusal splints did not influence the body sway during gait and running since no differences were found in the mean values for both horizontal and vertical body sway, for all the test conditions Discussion and conclusions: Dental occlusion, achieved through the use of occlusal splints, that change the temporomandibular joint into a centric relation position, appears to have no effect on body horizontal and vertical sway, for gait and running in healthy male subjects. High inter-subject variability in the kinematic parameters was found, mainly during gait. Due to this, intra-subject variability should be considered in future studies in order to understand the occlusal splints influence among subjects.

Do Changes in Dental Occlusion Influence the Rehabilitation of a Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD) in Professional Female Volleyball Players? A Pilot Study

There have been controversial discussions in research regarding the mutual relationship between changes in dental occlusion and postural reorganisation. Particularly in professional sports, the application of dental splints has been studied increasingly. However, there is a lack of data regarding the effects of a dental splint on the motor function of the shoulder joint, although overhead athletes often have to deal with long-lasting shoulder problems and their consequences. This study aimed to investigate the influence of a change in dental occlusion by means of a dental splint on the rehabilitation of a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) among volleyball players. In this study, 22 professional female volleyball players with GIRD and a tROM larger than five degrees were included. Participants were randomised to a splint group (n = 11) and a non-splint group (n = 11). Range of motion and the isometric strength of the dominant shoulder were measured. Shoulder pain and function were investigated by the SPADI assessment, and the functional status of the temporomandibular joints was assessed through the DC/TMD classification. Over a period of eight weeks, both groups received an individual training program. The splint group completed the training program with a dental splint (1-2 mm thick), the non-splint group without a splint. Range of motion: There are no significant differences between the two groups in the range of motion (internal rotation U = 33 000, p = 0.36; external rotation U = 39 500, p = 0.66; GIRD U = 41 000, p = 0.78; tROM U = 41 000, p = 0.78). At the end of the study, none of the volleyball players in the splint or non-splint group had a GIRD > 20 degrees or a tROM difference > 5 degrees. Shoulder strength: No differences were detected between the two groups in force (internal rotation U = 36 000, p = 0.50; external rotation U = 44 000, p = 0.97; elbow flexion U = 28 000, p = 0.18). Only the force of the shoulder quadrant changed significantly (U = 20 500, p = 0.04). Shoulder pain and function (SPADI): No significant differences were found for the SPADI assessment (U = 31 000; p = 0.28). Functional status of the temporomandibular joint (DC/TMD): The DC/TMD assessments also did not change significantly. Regarding the secondary hypothesis, a significant change in Q strength was detected. All other parameters (ROM: internal rotation, external rotation, GIRD, tROM; strength: internal rotation, external rotation, elbow flexion; shoulder pain and function: SPADI; TMJ: depression, palpation of masseter muscle and temporalis muscle, TMJ) revealed no significant changes between the two groups. In sum, it can be stated that the use of a dental splint does not significantly influence the rehabilitation of GIRD in volleyball players.

Correction of Malocclusion by Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection into Masticatory Muscles.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin, and its injection in masticatory muscles induces muscle weakness and paralysis. This paralytic effect of BTX induces growth retardation of the maxillofacial bones, changes in dental eruption and occlusion state, and facial asymmetry. Using masticatory muscle paralysis and its effect via BTX, BTX can be used for the correction of malocclusion after orthognathic surgery and mandible fracture. The paralysis of specific masticatory muscles by BTX injection reduces the tensional force to the mandible and prevents relapse and changes in dental occlusion. BTX injection in the anterior belly of digastric and mylohyoid muscle prevents the open-bite and deep bite of dental occlusion and contributes to mandible stability after orthognathic surgery. The effect of BTX injection in masticatory muscles for maxillofacial bone growth and dental occlusion is reviewed in this article. The clinical application of BTX is also discussed for the correction of dental malocclusion and suppression of post-operative relapse after mandibular surgery.

Functional dental occlusion: an anthropological perspective and implications for practice

Physiologic changes occur in dental occlusion throughout life, resulting from the interplay between functional demands and reciprocating adaptive responses. These changes have been reported in the anthropological literature and they reflect evolutionary changes in the human stomatognathic system during the Paleolithic, hunter-gatherer period. Specific occlusal changes occur in response to different environments, leading to extensive variation within and between extinct and extant human populations. For example, functional demands can cause occlusal and interproximal tooth wear, resulting in shortening of the dental arch, continual tooth eruption and changes in masticatory patterns. Since the advent of farming through to our current industrialized culture, functional demands on the human masticatory system, and its adaptive responses to these demands, have been reduced considerably. Indeed, it is only occasionally that functional demands are severe enough to lead to obvious pathology in the modern human dentition. In contrast to normal masticatory activity, 'modern-day conditions' such as dental caries, periodontal disease and erosion, can lead to significant changes in dental occlusion that are pathological and need to be treated. The masticatory system is a dynamic, functional unit that displays considerable change over a lifetime. In this concept paper, it is proposed that modern human populations living in industrialized environments display dental occlusions that can be considered to be 'neotenous'; that is, our dentitions tend to reflect an unworn stage of our ancestors that was only seen in infants, juveniles and young adults. Clinicians can draw on both phylogenetic and ontogenetic perspectives of 'functional dental occlusion' to differentiate continual physiological changes occurring over time that require ongoing review, from pathological responses that require intervention.

Association between clinical signs and symptoms related to sleep-disordered breathing in mouth breathers school children

Introduction Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is one of the causes of morbidity in children. The symptoms of SDB in children are varied and difficult to diagnose, especially in mouth breathing children (MB). The aim of this study was to associate the clinical signs of the MB and the self-perception of their symptoms related to SDB, focusing on nasal, sleep and masticatory problems. Materials and methods From a previous study, a sample of 73 pre-selected MB derived from elementary schools, aged 7–14 years old, was reevaluated about the presence of anatomical and functional facial and dental occlusion changes, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and posture alterations and breathing pattern abnormalities. Concomitantly, a questionnaire about symptoms of SDB was applied to the MB. This instrument contains 16 questions about TMJ, nasal and sleep problems. From 42 clinical variables reevaluated, 19 were selected by the Binomial test where the cutoff point was the average of the variables’ prevalence. Afterwards, we used the logistic regression through Backward method and the Wald test to verify the association between these clinical variables and the 16 questions from the questionnaire. Results For TMJ symptoms the clinical variables were significant to: lack of lip closure, Class II malocclusion, deviation from interocclusal position, overbite, forward head position and palatine tonsil hypertrophy. For the nasal symptoms the clinical variables were significant to: turbinate hypertrophy and deviation from interocclusal position. Lastly, for the sleep symptoms the clinical variables were significant to: turbinate hypertrophy, palatine tonsils hypertrophy, deviation from interocclusal position, lack of lip seal, obstructive Mallampati index (III and IV), and protrusion deviation. Most significant finds were those related to the sleep symptoms: mouth breathing and obstructive Mallampati index were related to complaints of snoring, waking up during the night and sleeping were related with the mouth open; mouth breathing and palatine tonsils hypertrophy were related to complaints of sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. Conclusion This study showed that craniofacial, upper airway and postural abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of SDB in mouth breathers children. Acknowledgements Management of Vitoria City, ES, Brazil.

Centric-Relation Bite as a Condylar Positioning Device in Bimaxillary Surgery

The repositioning of the proximal segment during bimaxillary surgery is critical for the maintenance of temporomandibular joint function. A change in the position of the condyle after surgery results in an increase in the occurrence of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint, a loss of mandible angle, an increase in relapse, condyle sagging, and a loss or reduction of mastication, among other effects. In bimaxillary surgery, it is more difficult to reposition the condyle than during single-jaw surgery of the mandible. The dental occlusion changes during orthodontic treatment and is affected by neuromuscular function, gravity, level of consciousness and postural habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative and postoperative condylar positions among patients treated with bimaxillary surgery using a CR bite and simple device.

Effect of dentofacial deformity on maximum isometric tongue strength

The objective of this study was to determine whether dentofacial deformities (class II and class III) influence maximum isometric tongue strength compared with a group without deformities. A total of 126 adult patients participated in the study. Of these, 45 had a class II diagnosis (14 men and 31 women) and 81 a class III diagnosis (35 men and 46 women), all of them with indication of orthognathic surgery. Fifty adult volunteers (17 men and 33 women) with no changes in dental occlusion (class I) and with no clinical signs of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint represented the control group. Tongue strength (in N) was measured with a dynamometer. The maximum strength of the anterior portion was determined with the instrument positioned on the retroincisor region and the maximum strength of the dorsum with the instrument positioned in the region of the hard palate. Data were analysed statistically by analysis of variance (anova) and by the Pearson correlation test. No significant difference (P > 0·05) in tongue strength in the anterior or dorsal region was observed between the groups with dentofacial deformities or between these groups and the control. The tongue strength of the anterior and dorsal regions was not influenced by the dentofacial deformity.

Effects of Experimental Leg Length Discrepancies on Body Posture and Dental Occlusion

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effects of experimental leg length discrepancies on body posture and dental occlusion. Thirty asymptomatic subjects (15 males and 15 females, ages 19-33, mean age 25.6 years) were included in this study and randomly assigned to one of two groups based on a table of random numbers. The only difference between group A and group B was the sequence of testing. Experimental leg length discrepancies were provided by using ten types of insoles with heights ranging from one to ten mm at one mm intervals, placed under both feet. The MatScan (Nitta Corp., Osaka, Japan) system was used to measure changes in body posture (center of foot pressure: COP) while subjects maintained the following three postural positions: 1. natural standing posture (control); 2. control with a heel lift under the right foot; or 3. control with a heel lift under the left foot. The T-Scan II system (Nitta Corp., Osaka, Japan) was used to analyze the results of changes in dental occlusion (center of occlusal force: COF) in the above-mentioned three postural positions. When subjects used a heel lift of six mm or more under the right foot, lateral weight distribution (LWD) shifted to the right side compared to the control (p<0.05). When a heel lift of four mm or more was used under the left foot, LWD shifted to the left side compared to the control (p<0.05). When subjects used a heel lift of eight mm or more under the right foot, occlusal force shifted to the right side compared to the control (p<0.05). When subjects used a heel lift of seven mm or more under the left foot, occlusal force shifted to the left side compared to the control (p<0.05). Based on these findings, it was concluded that leg length discrepancy affected body posture and dental occlusion.

Alteraciones del desarrollo dentofacial en los trastornos respiratorios del sueño infantil

Introduction The recent interest in sleep-related breathing disorders has re-opened the old debate as to whether there is a causal relationship between upper respiratory obstruction and abnormalities in dentofacial development. Objective To establish the impact of dentofacial development on sleep-related breathing disorders in children. Method This is a prospective study in which the dentofacial studies of 30 children, diagnosed with a sleep-related breathing disorder using polysomnography, were compared with a control group of 30 healthy children. The ages of both groups were between 3 and 13 years. Results The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups in the proportion of children with a narrow palate (83% of the problem group and 57% in the control; P = 0.024) and cross bite (40% and 13%; P = 0.020). On comparing the angles measured, the only statistically-significant difference was the skull base-mandibular plane angle: The problem children group had a mean of 37.59 ± 5.56 and the control group, a mean of 34.41 ± 4.62 ( P = 0.023). Conclusion Children with sleep-related breathing disorders have abnormalities in facial and dental development caused by upper respiratory obstruction. These anomalies, vertical growth of the face, narrow palate and dental occlusion changes should be taken into account when assessing the indication for a adenotonsillectomy.