The role of orthodontists in the multidisciplinary management of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to a range of adverse outcomes from reduced quality of life to serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality.

Main body: This manuscript reviews the orthodontists' essential role in the multidisciplinary healthcare team tasked with managing OSA. It particularly highlights critical orthodontic interventions, such as surgical-orthodontic maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs), and rapid maxillary expansion (RME). These interventions are pivotal in modifying craniofacial structures to enhance airway patency. The importance of conducting a thorough airway analysis is underscored, assessing the complete anatomical and functional factors contributing to airway obstruction.

Conclusion: The paper calls for increased collaborative research efforts to develop standardized, evidence-based orthodontic procedures for effectively managing OSA, aiming to improve patient outcomes through specialized, tailored interventions.

Keywords: Mandibular advancement appliances; Maxillomandibular advancement; Multidisciplinary management; Obstructive sleep apnea; Orthodontics; Rapid maxillary expansion.