American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The association between a retrusive chin and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric patients is well-supported in the literature. A retrusive chin typically indicates a Class II skeletal relationship, where the mandible is positioned further back relative to the maxilla. This anteroposterior discrepancy can lead to an increased risk of airway obstruction during sleep as the position of the tongue and soft tissues can result in a narrower airway.

In young patients, the development of the airway is closely linked to jaw position and growth patterns. A retruded chin often corresponds with structural features that contribute to a smaller oropharyngeal space, making it more likely for these children to experience episodes of apnea during sleep. The positioning of the mandible and structural elements of the face are critical in evaluating risk factors for OSA.

While factors such as a steep mandible angle or a widened airway could possibly influence airway dynamics, they do not exhibit the same direct relationship with OSA as the retrusive chin position does. Additionally, a Class I relationship is typically associated with a normal skeletal relationship and not commonly linked to an increased risk of OSA. Therefore, the measurement that clearly highlights a higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric patients is the retrusive chin