Orthodontic Management of Adult Sleep Apnea: Clinical Case Reports

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious public health problem that has important impacts on the quality and life expectancy of affected individuals. It is characterized by repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep. OSA requires a multidisciplinary plan of treatment. There is increasing interest in the role of the orthodontist both in screening for adult obstructive sleep apnea and its management. Dental appliances and orthognathic surgery are two strategies that are currently used in the treatment of sleep apnea. This chapter focuses on the orthodontic management of sleep apnea in adults through three clinical cases with varying degrees of severity of sleep apnea. It provides a background on OSA treatment approaches and discusses the potential risks and benefits of each.