Recent advancements in understanding and treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have drawn significant public and healthcare interest due to its widespread impact on cardiovascular, psychiatric, and cognitive health. With nearly half of the U.S. adult population affected, there's a critical need for effective treatments. Two primary treatment options are the Surgery First orthodontic-surgical maxillomandibular advancement and mandibular advancement devices. The decision-making process is influenced by the severity of the condition, phenotypic characteristics, and the patient's willingness to accept and adhere to proposed treatments. Orthodontists are thus frequently tasked with guiding and assisting patients in making informed treatment choices concerning their condition. This presentation aims to navigate these decisions through existing evidence and nearly three decades of clinical experience in treating sleep apnea within a private clinic context.
Learning objectives:
After this course, attendees will be able to comprehensively understand Sleep Disordered Breathing and its impacts on health, recognizing the need for prompt, effective treatment.
After this course, attendees will be able to examine the nuances, indications, and outcomes of the primary treatment options for SDB and understand their roles, benefits, and limitations.
After this course, attendees can develop insights into the orthodontist-patient decision-making process, learning to provide evidence-based guidance and support informed treatment choices.
Takeaway message:
Sleep-disordered breathing is a complex condition with wide-ranging health impacts, necessitating informed and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
