Sleep disordered breathing and dentistry: Waking up to reality

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized today as having health implications for individuals who are suffering from this condition, and especially those who remain undiagnosed and may not be receiving the necessary treatment. OSA has gained significant attention by the dental and orthodontic communities due to its prevalence, its short and long term mental and systemic health consequences, and its manifestation within the vicinity of the dentofacial region. It would appear that many dental professionals, including orthodontists, have taken not only significant responsibility in diagnosing and managing OSA by themselves but also have availed themselves of the financial benefits of this new found means of income and practice growth. The goal of this paper is to examine the various controversies surrounding this issue by reviewing the related literature, and discuss what should be the actual role of our specialty in the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea in clinical practice. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc.