The influence of obstructive sleep apnea on self-perceived dental aesthetics and need for orthodontic treatment among the general population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on self-perceived dental appearance and need for orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used in a random sample of a general adult population in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1014 participants completed the questionnaires, which included the STOP-BANG questionnaire, Oral Aesthetics Subjective Impact Score questionnaire, and Aesthetic Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to compare differences between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 6.5% (66/1014) of the participants were classified as being at high risk of OSA of which 71.2% were males and 28.8% were females (P < 0.001), 57.6% were >50 years of age, 90.9% had obesity, and 81.8% had an enlarged neck circumference. But only 10.1% of the participants reported that they snore loudly. A positive self-perception of dental esthetics was found in 42 (6.2%) and 518 (76.6%) participants at high and low risk of OSA, respectively. Furthermore, of the participants in the high- and low-risk groups, 4.2% and 66.7% considered themselves in need of orthodontic treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of people at intermediate to high risk of OSA was 26% of the general population and being at high risk of OSA had no influence on self-perceived dental esthetics and need for orthodontic treatment.