[Oral appliances used in treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome--participation by otolaryngologists]

In our hospital otolaryngologists fabricate oral appliances (mandibular advancement appliances), decide indications for oral appliance therapy, and conduct combined therapy such as surgery, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We present a procedure for OSAS oral appliance therapy. We conducted this intervention on 28 patients in the last two years. Its advantages are; (1) widening options for combined OSAS therapy, (2) enabling treatment by otolaryngologists, (3) enabling treatment at the otolaryngologist's outpatient clinic, (4) and simple, nonsurgical, useful therapy in selected patients. Oral appliance therapy for OSAS may be conducted with or without other therapy. Otolarynologists should conduct OSAS oral appliance therapy in combination with other therapy.