Avaliação da atuação do ortodontista brasileiro no diagnóstico e tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical entity affecting a large portion of the population. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the participation of Brazilian orthodontists in relation to OSAS diagnosis and treatment procedures. Methodology: A questionnaire created on the Google Doc's® platform was sent to orthodontists by email, containing 14 questions about the participation of professionals on their approach to the diagnosis and treatment of OSAS Results: Only 32% use specific means, in their anamnesis and clinical examination, to detect the patient's risk of developing OSAS. 39% have worked specifically with OSAS and only 20.5% have taken a training course in Sleep Dentistry. For the treatment of OSAS, mandibular advancement devices (MAD), soft palate elevator devices (SPED), tongue retaining devices (TRD) and surgery with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) are used by 35.9%, 5.1%, 7,7% and 43.6% of respondents, respectively. Only 23% work in partnership with a sleep doctor and, among their patients with OSAS, only 8.5% are referred by them. Conclusion: The participation of orthodontists in the diagnosis and treatment of OSAS has a very low frequency. Among the orthodontic procedures used in PADs and maxillomandibular advancement surgery are the most frequent. The orthodontist-physician sleep relationship appears to be poorly productive.