Sleep apnea has 2 variants that are classified by their etiologic mechanism, namely, an obstructive or a central origin. Despite the clinical and scientific advancements in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over the past 20 years, a majority of affected patients remain undiagnosed. This article reviews aspects of unmanaged OSA, including the oral and maxillofacial signs and symptoms, systemic risk factors, diagnostic criteria, guidelines for patient referral to a sleep physician, and clinical management techniques. Additionally, the role of dentists in oral appliance therapy is explored.
Keywords: comorbidities; obstructive sleep apnea; oral appliance therapy; prevalence.