Did Vincent Van Gogh suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? We used an artificial intelligence algorithm to 3D reconstruct Vincent’s face from his self-portraits oil paintings. In addition, a textual analysis of the 820 letters that he wrote with extracted excerpts related to and symptoms associated with sleep-disordered breathing. Medical histories and Van Gogh’s face (anonymously) were quasi-randomized and sent to sleep experts to assess likelihood of OSA. Vincent Van Gogh’s maxillomandibular advancement simulation was also sent for review. Using this study as a springboard, we discuss the contemporary and collaborative approach of orthodontics and sleep surgery to address OSA.
Learning Objectives:
After this lecture, attendees will be able to:
Recognize the negative cognitive, mental, medical, and social impact of untreated obstructive sleep apnea.
Recognize the orthodontic role in indisciplinary treatment team, and the benefits of a surgery first approach.
Review the updated sleep surgery algorithm that is founded on concepts of healthy facial and airway development, and on the continuum of collaborative care.
