Association of snoring with malocclusion in primary dentition: a cross sectional comparative study

Background: This study aimed to determine whether snoring is associated with occlusal parameters in children. Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, between January and July 2023, 126 children who were registered at the clinic were evaluated. Parents were asked whether their children snored. A total of 63 children who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study (case: snoring 32, control: non-snoring 31). A digital model was obtained from 63 children using a three-dimensional scanning method and occlusal parameters—including overjet, overbite, molar and canine relationships, arch length, inter-canine and inter-molar width, crowding, and crossbite—were measured and compared. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square Test and Independent Samples T-Test, with statistical significance set at 5%. Results: Maxillary intercanine width was significantly lower in the snoring group (difference of 1.2 mm) (p = 0.028). Maxillary crowding was significantly higher in the snoring group (p = 0.048), and it was detected in 68% of snorers. Other occlusal parameter values were also lower, although not statistically significant. Conclusions: Snoring may adversely influence occlusal development during the late period of primary dentition. Notably, crowding in the maxillary arch is not typically a characteristic of primary dentition. Therefore, pediatric dentists should assess the underlying etiology during clinical examination or treatment.

Snoring; Malocclusion; Primary dentition; Intraoral scanner; Digital model

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