Mapping the research landscape of oral appliances in obstructive sleep apnea: a bibliometric analysis of trends, influential publications, and emerging areas.

Background: Oral appliances (OAs) are widely used in the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape in this field is lacking. This study aims to map the global research trends, influential publications, leading researchers, and emerging areas of interest related to OAs for OSA.

Methodology: Data were retrieved from the Scopus. The search included terms related to OSA and OA. Articles were screened using Rayyan software. VOS viewer™ and Bibliometrix were used for analysis. Data were visualized through network maps and graphs to identify key authors, research centers, countries, and keyword trends. Co-occurrence of keywords and citation patterns were assessed to understand the research dynamics.

Results: Out of 1370 initially retrieved articles, 753 were selected for final analysis, revealing a marked increase in scientific output in recent years. The study identified approximately 2400 researchers, with notable work from Cistulli P.A., Vanderveken O.M., and Lowe A.A., who formed key clusters. Major research hubs included The University of British Columbia, The University of Sydney, and Royal North Shore Hospital. The USA and Japan led in citations and publications. Global collaboration patterns were evident, showing contributions from various countries. Keywords like "obstructive sleep apnea," "mandibular advancement device," and "oral appliance" were frequently used, while emerging trends highlighted gaps in research related to tongue retaining and hybrid appliances. The top 20 cited documents from 1995-2020 encompassed reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and randomized trials, with the "Sleep" journal being the most cited source.

Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a detailed overview of the research landscape on OAs for OSA. The study highlights significant trends, influential researchers, and key research centers. It also identifies emerging areas of interest and research gaps, offering guidance for future research to enhance the clinical effectiveness and adoption of OA therapy for OSA.