Obstructive sleep apnea treatment with dental appliance

Abstract

The case of a 40-year-old male patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is reported, with emphasis on treatment with a dental appliance. This therapeutic approach, which has been focused on recent research, has as its objective, the posturing of the mandibule and, consequently, the tongue more anteriorly, thus in turn leading to an increase in the posterior oropharyngeal airway space (PAS). Cephalometry contributed determining in this case whereby enlargement limits were observed in the PAS with mandibular displacement. Clinical and polysomnographic controls showed subjective reduction of the excessive daytime sleepiness and objective decrease in apneas intensity to normal limits. Eight months follow-up evidenced the steady improvement.

Quality of life of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treated with an intraoral mandibular repositioner

“…OSAS disorganizes the relational life of the patient, affecting his/her ability to maintain an adequate social life and negatively influencing his/her quality of life 1 . Intraoral devices have been developed as an alternative treatment for OSAS, and some studies have shown improvement in the quality of life of patients who systematically use an intraoral device that positions the mandible anteriorly and increases the dimensions of the collapsible region of the airways [6][7][8] . In addition to the cited mandibular repositioners, other treatments available include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) -the standard treatment for severe apneas -and surgical procedures which, however, have not yet been evaluated in high quality clinical studies 9,10 .…”