American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Retrognathia, characterized by a posteriorly positioned mandible relative to the maxilla, is significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition can lead to an airway obstruction during sleep due to the structural positioning of the jaw. When the mandible is set back, the space in the oropharyngeal area can become narrower, making it more likely for soft tissues to collapse during sleep, thereby obstructing the airway.

In contrast, prognathism—the forward positioning of the mandible—often does not contribute to OSA in the same way, as it can keep the airway more open. A wide palate may influence dental occlusion and aesthetics, but it is not a direct factor for sleep apnea. The short facial type may have implications in orthodontics or aesthetics, but it does not directly correlate with airway obstruction in the same manner that retrognathia does. Thus, the link between retrognathia and obstructive sleep apnea highlights the importance of facial skeletal relationships in the management and diagnosis of airway-related disorders.