Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Slow Maxillary Expansion Using a Unique Expansion Dental Appliance (DNA)

Abstract

In addition to mandibular advancement devices, dental expansion appliances are an important clinical approach for achieving an increased intra-oral space that promotes airflow and lessens the frequency or severity of apneic events in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It has been thought that dental expansion in adults must be preceded by oral surgery; however, in this paper, we examine the results of a new technique for slow maxillary expansion without any surgical procedures. The palatal expansion device, DNA (Daytime-Nighttime Appliance), was reviewed in this retrospective study, particularly regarding its effects on measurements of transpalatal width, airway volume, and apnea-hypopnea indices (AHI) as well as its common modalities and complications. The DNA effectively reduced AHI by 46% (p = 0.00001) and significantly increased both airway volume and transpalatal width (p < 0.00001). After DNA treatment, 80% of patients showed some improvement in AHI scores with 28% of patients having their OSA symptoms completely resolved. Compared to the use of mandibular appliances, this approach is intended to create a sustained improvement in airway management that can reduce or eliminate dependence on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or other OSA treatment devices.

Comment on Dao et al. Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Slow Maxillary Expansion Using a Unique Expansion Dental Appliance (DNA). Pathophysiology 2023, 30, 199–208

“…Division of Sleep Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; drsingh@drdavesingh.com I found the recent article by Dao et al titled "Retrospective analysis of real-world data for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with slow maxillary expansion using a unique expansion dental appliance (DNA)" [1] rather intriguing. The Abstract states that this is a "new technique for slow maxillary expansion"; however, the clinical effects of this device's protocol on obstructive sleep apnea were first reported in 2011 [2] and published over the next 10 years [3,4].…”