Japanese dental insurance began to cover oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in 2004. Consequently, many dentists have started to perform this treatment. Many dental researchers have studied the anatomical features of the maxillofacial region of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and there is growing interest in the relationship between specific anatomical features and the therapeutic effects of oral appliances.
In Japan, only a physician can diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, and although medical-dental collaboration is extremely important, many dental facilities are requesting treatment with oral appliances.
In recent years, attention has been focused on oral muscle function training for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, in Japan, few reports have been published on the relationship between oral function and breathing disorders during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea or the effectiveness of oral muscle function training for obstructive sleep apnea. In Japan, oral muscle function training is performed by dentists, and if data continue to be accumulated, it is expected that new obstructive sleep apnea treatment selection criteria will be established. I think there will be more connections.
