Braces or breathing trouble? study probes link between tooth extraction and sleep apnea in kids

NCT ID NCT04946201

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at children aged 10-15 who need braces for prominent upper front teeth. Some will have upper premolars removed as part of treatment, others will not. Researchers will use sleep studies before and after treatment to see if the extractions increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The goal is to help orthodontists make safer treatment decisions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

upper premolar extraction

What this could lead to

If this study succeeds, it could help orthodontists understand whether removing upper premolars affects a child's risk of sleep apnea, leading to safer treatment choices.

What could go wrong

This trial is small (60 participants) and currently suspended, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. It only measures risk, not a treatment benefit.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Malocclusion malocclusion due to protuberant upper front teeth obstructive sleep apnea syndrome Overbite

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Kentucky

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, United States