ORTHO INDUSTRY NEWS Obstructive Sleep Apnea Linked To Weaker Bones and Teeth in Adults Obstructive sleep apnea may be linked to low bone mineral density in adults, according to University at Buffalo led research. The findings are crucial for indi-viduals with sleep apnea, as low bone mineral density is an indica-tor of osteoporosis – a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. In addition to increasing the risk of fractures, low bone mineral density also impacts oral health, causing teeth to become loose and dental implants to fail, says senior author Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, associate professor of orthodontics in the University of Buffalo's School of Dental Medicine and director of the school’s Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics. The study was published in November 2022 in The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice . The researchers used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) – a “While the link between obstruc-tive sleep apnea and low bone mineral density has yet to be fully explored, this study offers new evidence on their connection that could have several implications for orthodontic treatment,” says Al-Jewair, also assistant dean for equity, diversity and inclusion in the UB School of Dental Medicine. “If a patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, this can influence treatment planning and manage-ment. CBCT imaging has become an integral part of daily orthodon-tic practice and could be used as a screening tool for low bone mineral density,” she said. “Orthodontists could then inform their patients of their propensity for low bone mineral density and encourage them to seek further consultation with their physician, as well as warn the patient of possible adverse outcomes, increased risks and effects on treatment time.” type of X-ray – to measure bone density in the head and neck of 38 adult participants, half of whom had obstructive sleep apnea. When controlling for age, sex and weight, the participants with obstructive sleep apnea had significantly lower bone mineral density than the participants without the condition. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by difficulty breathing while asleep, can cause hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), inflam-mation, oxidative stress and short-ened breathing patterns. Each of these symptoms may have a chronic negative effect on bone metabolism and, ultimately, bone density, says Al-Jewair. NEW AOS INSTITUTE AND EVENT CENTER The AOS is excited to be moving forward with the build-out of a new AOS Institute Event Center that is just five minutes from the DFW Airport in Grapevine, TX. Here are just a few of the features of the new event center: ● A reception / cafe area ● Two large training rooms ● Capacity for 130 students The AOS Institute Event Center is walking distance from five popular hotels with shuttle service to DFW Airport. We anticipate completing the event center by the end of 2023. We need your support --consider giving to support our efforts by donating specifically to the AOS Event Center using the QR code or visiting orthodontics.com/institute. www.orthodontics.com • 972-234-4000 www.orthodontics.com Winter 2023 7
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Winter 2023: Page 7
