Side effects of intraoral devices for OSAS treatment / Side effects of intraoral devices for OSAS treatment

Abstract Introduction: Intraoral devices have increasingly assumed a key role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but there are limitations to their indication and side effects that result from their continuous use, as well as the use of the continuous positive airway pressure device. Objectives: To evaluate the changes in dental positioning caused by the continuous use of mandibular advancement devices. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study with a sample of 15 patients, with evaluation of complete documentation after a mean time of 6.47 months, assessed changes in dental positioning due to the use of the Twin Block oral device for the treatment of patients with apnea. The following variables were evaluated: overjet, overbite, upper and lower intermolar distances, upper and lower intercanine distances, Little's irregularity index and the incisor mandibular plane angle. An intraclass correlation test was performed and a correlation index > 0.08 was accepted. After verifying the normal sample distribution (Shapiro-Wilks), a parametric test was used (t test), with a significance level set at 5%. Results: There was a decrease in the values of overjet, overbite and Little's irregularity index, whereas there was an increase in the lower intercanine distance and IMPA values. All these variables are influenced, at different levels, by the forward inclination of the lower incisors, an action that can be expected due to the force applied by the device on the dentition. The other variables did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusion: After a mean time of 6.47 months of use of the mandibular advancement device, there were statistically significant changes in the dental positioning, but they were not clinically relevant. However, it is relevant that this device is commonly in use over long periods of time, making the monitoring of these patients of the utmost importance for the duration of their therapy.

Resumo: Introdução: Os aparelhos intraorais têm assumido cada vez mais um papel importante no tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono, mas existem limitações a sua indicação e efeitos colaterais com o seu uso contínuo, assim como com o uso do aparelho de pressão aérea positiva contínua. Objetivos: Avaliar as alterações no posicionamento dentário produzido pelo uso contínuo do aparelho de projeção mandibular. Método: Através de estudo longitudinal prospectivo com amostra de 15 pacientes, com avaliação de documentações completas após um tempo médio de 6,47 meses do uso do aparelho oral de Twin Block para tratamento de pacientes com apneia, foram avaliadas as alterações do posicionamento dos dentes decorrentes do seu uso. As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: overjet, overbite, distâncias intermolares superior e inferior, distâncias intercaninos superior e inferior, índice de irregularidade de Little e ângulo do plano incisivo mandibular. Foi feito teste de correlação intraclasse e foram aceitos índices de correlação acima de 0,08. Após atestada a distribuição normal da amostra (Shapiro-Wilks), foi usado um teste paramétrico (teste t), com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Houve diminuição nos valores de overjet, overbite e irregularidade de Little e aumento nos valores da distância intercanino inferior e do ângulo do plano incisivo mandibular. Todas essas variáveis sofrem influência, com diferentes expressividades, da inclinação para frente dos incisivos inferiores, uma ação que pode ser esperada devido à força aplicada pelo aparelho sobre a dentição. As demais variáveis não demostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Conclusão: Houve mudanças estatisticamente significativas no posicionamento dos dentes, porém clinicamente sem relevância, com um tempo médio de uso de 6,47 meses do aparelho de avanço mandibular. Contudo, deve-se considerar que o uso dessa aparelhagem é comum durante longos períodos, fazendo com que seja de suma importância o acompanhamento desses pacientes a longo prazo.

Predictors of success for mandibular repositioning appliance in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract The characteristics of non-obese patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) who will present with a good response to Mandibular Repositioning Appliance (MRA) treatment have not yet been well established in the literature. The aim of this study is to assess whether polysomnographic (PSG), demographic, anthropometric, cephalometric, and otorhinolaryngological parameters predict MRA success in the treatment of OSAS. Forty (40) males with mild and moderate OSAS were assessed pretreatment and 2-months post-treatment after wearing an MRA. Demographic, anthropometric, otorhinolaryngological (ENT), cephalometric, and polysomnographic parameters, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titrated pressure, dental models, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, quality of life (Short Form SF-36), and mood state (Profile of Mood States – POMS), were assessed. The responders exhibited fewer oropharyngeal alterations, increased upper pharyngeal space, reduced lower airway space, and increased mandibular intercanine width, and they had milder disease. Nevertheless, no predictive factors of MRA success could be found. MRA was more successful among men with a more pervious airway, a larger interdental width and milder OSAS. However, a combined [1] functional and structural assessment is needed to successfully predict the [2] effectiveness of MRA treatment of OSA.

Impact of upper airway abnormalities on the success and adherence to mandibular advancement device treatment in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, / O impacto das alterações da via aérea superior na adesão e sucesso do tratamento com aparelho intraoral na Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a option to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of upper airway abnormalities on the success of and adherence to MAD in patients with OSAS. METHODS: Prospective study with 30 patients with mild to moderate OSAS and indications for MAD. The protocol included questionnaires addressing sleep and nasal complaints, polysomnography, and upper airway assessment. The analyzed parameters of patients who showed therapeutic success and failure and those who exhibited good and poor treatment adherence were compared. RESULTS: 28 patients completed the protocol; 64.3% responded successfully to treatment with MAD, and 60.7% exhibited good adherence to treatment. Factors associated with greater success rates were younger age (p = 0.02), smaller cervical circumference (p = 0.05), and lower AHI at baseline (p = 0.05). There was a predominance of patients without nasal abnormalities among patients treated successfully compared to those with treatment failure (p = 0.04), which was not observed in relation to adherence. Neither pharyngeal nor facial skeletal abnormalities were significantly associated with either therapeutic success or adherence. CONCLUSION: MAD treatment success was significantly lower among patients with nasal abnormalities; however, treatment adherence was not influenced by the presence of upper airway or facial skeletal abnormalities.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O Aparelho Intraoral (AIO) é uma opção para tratamento da Síndrome da Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a influência das alterações da VAS e esqueléticas faciais através de uma avaliação clinica sistematizada no sucesso e adesão ao (AIO) em pacientes com (SAOS). MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo em que foram avaliados 30 pacientes com SAOS leve a moderada e indicação de AIO. Protocolo incluiu questionários de sono e queixas nasais; polissonografia e avaliação da VAS por rinoscopia anterior e oroscopia. Os parâmetros analisados foram comparados entre pacientes com sucesso e insucesso, e com boa e má adesão à terapia. RESULTADOS: Completaram o protocolo 28 pacientes. O sucesso ao tratamento foi de 64,3% e a adesão 60,7%. Os fatores associados ao sucesso foram menor idade, menor circunferência cervical e menor IAH basal. Quanto à presença de alterações nasais, houve predomínio de pacientes sem alteração nasal entre os pacientes com sucesso comparados àqueles com insucesso (p = 0,04); o que não foi observado em relação à adesão. Quanto às alterações faríngeas e alterações esqueléticas faciais, não houve significância. CONCLUSÃO: O sucesso do tratamento com AIO foi significativamente menor nos pacientes com alterações nasais, porém a adesão não foi influenciada pela presença de alterações de VAS ou esqueléticas faciais.

Therapeutic efficacy of a hybrid mandibular advancement device in the management of obstructive sleep apnea assessed with acoustic reflection technique.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common forms of sleep‑disordered breathing. Various treatment modalities include behavior modification therapy, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliance therapy, and various surgical modalities. Oral appliances are noninvasive and recommended treatment modality for snoring, mild to moderate OSA cases and severe OSA cases when patient is not compliant to CPAP therapy and unwilling for surgery. Acoustic reflection technique (ART) is a relatively new modality for three‑dimensional assessment of airway caliber in various clinical situations. The accuracy and reproducibility of acoustic rhinometry and acoustic pharyngometry assessment are comparable to computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This case report highlights the therapeutic efficacy of an innovative customized acrylic hybrid mandibular advancement device in the management of polysomnography diagnosed OSA cases, and the treatment results were assessed by ART.

Dental and skeletal changes in patients with mandibular retrognathism following treatment with Herbst and pre-adjusted fixed appliance

OBJECTIVE: To assess the dentoskeletal changes observed in treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusion patients with mandibular retrognathism. Treatment was performed with the Herbst orthopedic appliance during 13 months (phase I) and pre-adjusted orthodontic fixed appliance (phase II). METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of 17 adolescents were taken in phase I onset (T1) and completion (T2); in the first thirteen months of phase II (T3) and in phase II completion (T4). Differences among the cephalometric variables were statistically analyzed (Bonferroni variance and multiple comparisons). RESULTS: From T1 to T4, 42% of overall maxillary growth was observed between T1 and T2 (P < 0.01), 40.3% between T2 and T3 (P < 0.05) and 17.7% between T3 and T4 (n.s.). As for overall mandibular movement, 48.2% was observed between T1 and T2 (P < 0.001) and 51.8% between T2 and T4 (P < 0.01) of which 15.1% was observed between T2 and T3 (n.s.) and 36.7% between T3 and T4 (P < 0.01). Class II molar relationship and overjet were properly corrected. The occlusal plane which rotated clockwise between T1 and T2, returned to its initial position between T2 and T3 remaining stable until T4. The mandibular plane inclination did not change at any time during treatment. CONCLUSION: Mandibular growth was significantly greater in comparison to maxillary, allowing sagittal maxillomandibular adjustment. The dentoalveolar changes (upper molar) that overcorrected the malocclusion in phase I, partially recurred in phase II, but did not hinder correction of the malocclusion. Facial type was preserved. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar as alterações dentoesqueléticas observadas no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II com retrognatismo mandibular, realizado com aparelho ortopédico de Herbst durante 13 meses (Fase I) e aparelho ortodôntico fixo pré-ajustado (Fase II). MÉTODOS: foram obtidas telerradiografias laterais de 17 adolescentes, ao início (T1), final da Fase I (T2), primeiros 13 meses da Fase II (T3) e término da Fase II (T4). As diferenças entre as variáveis cefalométricas foram analisadas estatisticamente (variância e comparações múltiplas de Bonferroni). RESULTADOS: de T1 a T4, do total da projeção da maxila, 42% foram observados de T1 a T2 (p < 0,01); 40,3% de T2 a T3 (p < 0,05); e 17,7% de T3 a T4 (n.s.). Do total da projeção da mandíbula, foi notado 48,2% de T1 a T2 (p < 0,001) e 51,8% de T2 a T4 (p < 0,01), sendo 15,1% (n.s.) de T2 a T3, e 36,7% de T3 a T4 (p < 0,01). A relação molar e a sobressaliência foram corrigidas idealmente. Em T4, todos apresentavam características de oclusão normal. O plano oclusal que de T1 a T2 rotacionou no sentido horário, de T2 a T3 retornou aos valores iniciais, mantendo-se estável até T4. A inclinação do plano mandibular, responsável pela caracterização do tipo facial, não alterou em nenhum tempo. CONCLUSÃO: a mandíbula cresceu significativamente mais que a maxila, favorecendo o ajuste sagital maxilomandibular. As mudanças dentárias (molares superiores), que sobrecorrigiram a má oclusão na Fase I, recidivaram parcialmente na Fase II, sem comprometer a correção da má oclusão. O tipo facial foi preservado. .

Effects of mandibular protraction appliance associated to fixed appliance in adults

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to conduct a cephalometric evaluation of the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects resulting from treatment of adult patients presenting Class II malocclusion, performed with a Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: The sample consisted of teleradiographs obtained before and after treatment of 9 adult patients (initial mean age of 22.48 years) with bilateral Class II, division 1, malocclusion. Paired t test (p < 0.05) was applied to compare initial and final values. RESULTS: t test revealed an increase in anteroinferior facial height and posterior facial height. The dental changes include: extrusion of upper incisors, buccal inclination, protrusion of lower incisors, mesialization and extrusion of mandibular molars. Regarding the soft tissue component, there was an increase in nasolabial angle in addition to upper lip retrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of treating Class II malocclusion adult patients, by means of using Mandibular Protraction Appliance (MPA) combined with a fixed appliance were mostly observed in the mandibular arch, and consisted of buccal inclination, protrusion and intrusion of incisors, and mesialization and extrusion of the molars.

OBJETIVO: esse estudo retrospectivo teve como objetivo avaliar, cefalometricamente, os efeitos esqueléticos, dentários e tegumentares decorrentes do tratamento com o Aparelho de Protração Mandibular em conjunto ao aparelho fixo em pacientes adultos para correção da má oclusão de Classe II. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por telerradiografias pré- e pós-tratamento de nove adultos (idade inicial média de 22,48 anos), portadores de má oclusão de Classe II, divisão 1 bilateral. O teste t pareado (p < 0,05) foi empregado para comparação dos valores iniciais e finais. RESULTADOS: de acordo com o teste t, observou-se aumento da altura facial anteroinferior e da altura facial posterior. As alterações dentárias foram: extrusão dos incisivos superiores, inclinação para vestibular e protrusão dos incisivos inferiores; e mesialização e extrusão dos molares inferiores. Com relação ao componente tegumentar, houve aumento do ângulo nasolabial e retrusão do lábio superior. CONCLUSÃO: os efeitos do tratamento com o Aparelho de Protração Mandibular em conjunto com aparelho fixo em pacientes adultos para correção da má oclusão de Classe II foram direcionados, principalmente, à arcada inferior, com inclinação vestibular, protrusão e intrusão dos incisivos e mesialização e extrusão dos molares.

Fixed Lingual Mandibular Growth Modificator: a new appliance for Class II correction

INTRODUCTION: This article demonstrates the description and use of a new appliance for Class II correction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case report of a 10-year 5 month-old girl who presented with a skeletally-based Class II division 1 malocclusion (ANB = 6.5º) on a slightly low-angle pattern, with ML-NSL angle of 30º and ML-NL angle of 22.5º. Overjet was increased (7 mm) and associated with a deep bite. RESULTS: Overjet and overbite reduction was undertaken with the new appliance, Fixed Lingual Mandibular Growth Modificator (FLMGM). CONCLUSION: FLMGM may be effective in stimulating the growth of the mandible and correcting skeletal Class II malocclusions. Clinicians can benefit from the unique clinical advantages that FLMGM provides, such as easy handling and full integration with bracketed appliance at any phase.

INTRODUÇÃO: esse artigo apresenta, por meio de um relato de caso, a descrição e o uso de um novo aparelho (o Aparelho Lingual Fixo para Alteração do Crescimento Mandibular, ou Fixed Lingual Mandibular Growth Modificator, o FLMGM) para correção de má oclusão de Classe II. sendo a paciente do sexo feminino, de 10 anos e 5 meses de idade, com má oclusão esquelética de Classe II, divisão 1, (ANB = 6,5º), com ângulos levemente baixos: ângulo SN.GoGn de 30º e ângulo PP.GoGn de 22,5º. A paciente apresentava sobressaliência aumentada (7mm) associada a mordida profunda. RESULTADOS: a sobressaliência e a sobremordida foram reduzidas com o novo aparelho descrito. CONCLUSÃO: o FLMGM pode ser efetivo na estimulação do crescimento da mandíbula e na correção da má oclusão esquelética de Classe II. O dentista clínico pode beneficiar-se das vantagens clínicas exclusivas do FLMGM, tais como a facilidade de manejo e a total integração com aparelhos com braquetes em qualquer fase do tratamento.

Soluciones para el ronquido y/o alteraciones del sueño producidas por obstrucción respiratoria / Solutions for snoring and/or sleep disturbances caused by airway obstruction

Los trastornos del sueño son una patología muy frecuente tanto aislada, o asociada a otros trastornos. Se caracteriza clínicamente poruna perturbación del patrón respiratorio del sueño, incluyendo a las Apneas Obstructivas, las Hipoapneas y a los esfuerzos respiratorios asociados a microdespertares. Los factores de riesgo, los mecanismos fisiopatológicos implicados y sus alternativas terapéuticas clásicas incluyen varias disciplinas con el fin de ser diagnosticada precozmente y tratada oportunamente.Los dispositivos de avance mandibular (DAM) modifican las vías aéreas superiores para reducir los casos de ronquido como así también los casos leves y moderados de SAHS. (Síndrome de Apnea-Hipoapnea del Sueño). Permiten un avance milimétrico regulable de la mandíbula, además de movimientos de apertura, cierre y lateralidad. Por otra parte la fonoaudiología representa una nueva alternativa en el tratamiento de los pacientes con síndrome de Apneas obstructivas del sueño a partir de la terapia miofuncional oral.

Sleep disorders are a common pathology somewhat isolated or associated with other disorders. It is characterized clinically by a disturbance of sleep breathing pattern, including the Obstructive apneas, hypopneas and the Respiratory efforts associated with arousals. Risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic alternatives include several classical disciplines in order to be diagnosed early and treated promptly.Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) modify the upper airway to reduce snoring cases as mild and moderate cases of OSA. They have a well-controlled forward movement millimeter opening, closing and laterality. Besides speech therapy represents a new alternativein the treatment of patients with syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea from Miofuctional oral therapy.

Short-term efficacy of mandibular advancement splint in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the short-term efficacy of treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) using a mandibular advancement splint. METHODS: The sample comprised 20 patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age = 48 years; mean body mass index = 27.07) with OSAHS. Polysomnograms were performed before and 60 days after mandibular advancement splint therapy. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) following treatment (mean pretreatment AHI = 20.89 ± 17.9 versus mean posttreatment AHI = 4.43 ± 3.09) (p < 0.05). The snoring reduced and the sleep efficiency improved, as registered by polysomnograms (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The sleep quality improved in patients using mandibular advancement splint. Further studies evaluating long-term effects are needed.

OBJETIVO: verificar a eficácia e aceitação do tratamento de ronco e da SAHOS por meio de aparelho intrabucal. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta de 20 pacientes de ambos os sexos (13 homens e 7 mulheres) que apresentavam SAHOS, com média de idade de 48 anos, e índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio de 27,07. Foram realizadas polissonografias pré- e pós-tratamento (60 dias) em todos os pacientes, e os sinais e sintomas foram analisados por meio de exame clínico após o uso de splint. RESULTADOS: houve uma redução significativa do índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH = 20,89 ± 17,9/hora) registrado no pré-tratamento, em comparação ao registrado durante o uso do aparelho intrabucal (IAH = 4,43 ± 3,09/hora). A roncopatia, a eficiência do sono e o índice de saturação de oxigênio também mostraram melhoras e, consequentemente, a sonolência diurna, o cansaço e a irritabilidade diminuíram. CONCLUSÕES: apesar de algum desconforto relatado, houve boa aceitabilidade do aparelho por 60% dos pacientes, havendo melhora na qualidade do sono. Torna-se necessário um acompanhamento em médio e em longo prazo desses pacientes, com vistas ao ronco, à apneia do sono e aos efeitos colaterais decorrentes dessa modalidade de tratamento.

Angle Class II correction with MARA appliance

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects produced by the MARA appliance in the treatment of Angle's Class II, division 1 malocclusion. METHODS: The sample consisted of 44 young patients divided into two groups: The MARA Group, with initial mean age of 11.99 years, treated with the MARA appliance for an average period of 1.11 years, and the Control Group, with initial mean age of 11.63 years, monitored for a mean period of 1.18 years with no treatment. Lateral cephalograms were used to compare the groups using cephalometric variables in the initial and final phases. For these comparisons, Student's t test was employed. RESULTS: MARA appliance produced the following effects: Maxillary growth restriction, no change in mandibular development, improvement in maxillomandibular relationship, increased lower anterior facial height and counterclockwise rotation of the functional occlusal plane. In the upper arch, the incisors moved lingually and retruded, while the molars moved distally and tipped distally. In the lower arch, the incisors proclined and protruded, whereas the molars mesialized and tipped mesially. Finally, there was a significant reduction in overbite and overjet, with an obvious improvement in molar relationship. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the MARA appliance proved effective in correcting Angle's Class II, division 1 malocclusion while inducing skeletal changes and particularly dental changes.

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos proporcionados pelo aparelho MARA no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II, 1ª divisão. MÉTODOS: utilizou-se uma amostra de 44 jovens, divididos em dois grupos - Grupo MARA, com idade inicial média de 11,99 anos e tratado com o aparelho MARA por um período médio de 1,11 ano; e Grupo Controle, com idade inicial média de 11,63 ano e observado por um período médio de 1,18 ano, sem nenhum tratamento. Utilizou-se as telerradiografias em norma lateral para comparar os grupos quanto às variáveis cefalométricas das fases inicial e final. Para essas comparações, aplicou-se o teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: o aparelho MARA proporcionou efeitos na restrição do crescimento maxilar, sem nenhuma alteração do desenvolvimento mandibular, com melhora da relação maxilomandibular, aumento da altura facial anteroinferior e inclinação anti-horária do plano oclusal funcional. Na arcada superior, os incisivos foram lingualizados e retruídos, e os molares foram distalizados e inclinados para distal. Na arcada inferior, ocorreu vestibularização e protrusão nos incisivos, e mesialização e inclinação mesial dos molares. Por fim, observou-se uma redução significativa nos trespasses horizontal e vertical, e uma melhora evidente na relação molar. CONCLUSÃO: pode-se concluir que o aparelho MARA foi eficaz na correção da má oclusão de Classe II, 1ª divisão, promovendo alterações esqueléticas e, principalmente, dentárias.

Hybrid fixation in the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for lower jaw advancement

Miniplate and screw fixation has been widely used in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, but some issues remain unclear concerning its lack of rigidity when compared to Spiessl's bicortical technique. This paper demonstrates the hybrid fixation technique in a case report. A 34-year-old female patient underwent a double jaw surgery with counter-clockwise rotation of the mandible fixed using the hybrid fixation technique. The patient evolved well in the postoperative period and is still under follow up after 14 months, reporting satisfaction with the results and no significant deviation from the treatment plan up to now. No damage to tooth roots was done, maxillomandibular range of motion was within normality and regression of the inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia was observed bilaterally. The hybrid mandibular fixation is clearly visible in the panoramic and cephalometric control radiographs. It seems that the hybrid fixation can sum the advantages of both monocortical and bicortical techniques in lower jaw advancement, increasing fixation stability without significant damage to the mandibular articulation and the inferior alveolar nerve. A statistical investigation seems necessary to prove its efficacy.

Four novel prosthodontic methods for managing upper airway resistance syndrome: An investigative analysis revealing the efficacy of the new nasopharyngeal aperture guard appliance.

Statement of Problem: Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent cause for insomnia in the populace. Snoring is mulled over as the potential factor that can lead the sequel to obstructive sleep apnea. Although the etiology and deterrence measures for snoring are yet to be undoubtedly clarified by our scientific sorority, various means of surgical corrections have been affirmed and put into practice, with a substantial degree of success. Despite this, it is implicit that a noninvasive method of managing obstructive sleep apnea is more relevant for overcoming this condition. Purpose: This manuscript intends to establish how snoring can be controlled prosthodontically by different modalities of scientifically defensible approaches. The most effective among the modalities was affirmed as the investigative analyses of the treatment outcomes with each modality. Novel Methods: Four new methods of managing obstructive sleep apnea - uvula lift appliance, uvula and velopharynx lift appliance, nasopharyngeal aperture guard, and soft palate lift appliance were demonstrated through this article. Clinical Reports: The four new modalities stated and one conventional modality of mandibular advancement appliance for managing obstructive sleep apnea, a total of five types of appliance therapies, were described with case reports for each. Investigation: Five individuals undergoing the appliance therapy were chosen for each modality. The treatment outcome with each modality was examined by analysis of clinical predictors and also by means of standard investigation, with nasal and oral endoscopic analyses. Result: Among the five types of appliance therapies, the nasopharyngeal aperture guard provided the best treatment outcome in terms of clinical predictors and endoscopic analyses. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal aperture guard, the novel method stated in this article is the better modality for managing obstructive sleep apnea, among the five different appliance therapies.

Management of obstructive sleep apnea: A dental perspective.

Sleep disordered breathing is a term which includes simple snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Simple snoring is a common complaint affecting 45% of adults occasionally and 25% of adults habitually and is a sign of upper airway obstruction. Snoring has also been identified as a possible risk factor for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. The role of dentistry in sleep disorders is becoming more significant, especially in co-managing patients with simple snoring and mild to moderate OSA. The practicing dental professional has the opportunity to assist patients at a variety of levels, starting with the recognition of a sleep-related disorder, referring patients to a physician for evaluation, and assisting in the management of sleep disorders. Obesity is the main predisposing factor for OSA. In nonobese patients, craniofacial anomalies like micrognathia and retrognathia may also predispose to OSA. Diagnosis of OSA is made on the basis of the history and physical examination and investigations such as polysomnography, limited channel testing, split-night testing, and oximetry. Nocturnal attended polysomnography, which requires an overnight stay in a sleep facility, is the standard diagnostic modality in determining if a patient has OSA. As far as treatment is concerned, the less invasive procedures are to be preferred to the more invasive options. The first and simplest option would be behavior modification, followed by insertion of oral devices suited to the patient, especially in those with mild to moderate OSA. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surgical options are chosen for patients with moderate to severe OSA. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AAOSM) has recommended oral appliances for use in patients with primary snoring and mild to moderate OSA. It can also be used in patients with a lesser degree of oxygen saturation, relatively less day time sleepiness, lower frequency of apnea, those who are intolerant to CPAP, or those who refuse surgery. Oral appliances improve the blood oxygen saturation levels as they relieve apnea in 20-75% of patients. They reduce the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by 50% or to < 10 events per h. Oral appliances also reduce the AHI to normal in 50-60% patients.

Estudo comparativo de tratamentos de maloclusões de Classe II, efetuados com aparelhos extra-oral de Thurow e Funcional Twin Block / Comparative study of two therapies for Class II skeletal malocclusion treatment: Twin Block functional appliance and extra-oral maxillary splint

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações dento-esqueletais decorrentes do uso do aparelho funcional Twin Block e do aparelho extra-oral de Thurow, em pacientes portadores de maloclusão de Classe II, tratados na fase de pré-surto de crescimento puberal, durante o período de doze meses. Cinqüenta e oito pacientes foram selecionados aleatoriamente segundo critérios de inclusão para compor a amostra. Dezenove pacientes utilizaram o aparelho funcional, dezenove o aparelho extra-oral de Thurow e o restante compuseram o grupo Controle. Foram analisadas radiografias cefalométricas ao início e ao final de doze meses de acompanhamento. Os valores cefalométricos obtidos foram tratados estatisticamente (ANOVA), seguindo um agrupamento de medidas para análise das modificações das estruturas dento-esqueletais. O teste de Bonferroni foi utilizado para a comparação dos pares de grupos. Os resultados sugerem que o aparelho funcional Twin Block promoveu aumento significativo (p < 0,001) no comprimento total da mandíbula, redução na relação ântero-posterior maxilo-mandibular e aumento da altura facial inferior quando comparado ao grupo Controle. Ocorreu redução significativa (p < 0,001) da inclinação dos incisivos superiores em ambos os grupos. Quanto à projeção dos incisivos superiores o grupo Twin Block promoveu redução significativa (p < 0,001), enquanto o aparelho de Thurow apresentou aumento significativo (p < 0,001). Os incisivos inferiores, quanto à angulação, mostraram significativa redução no grupo Thurow. A demais medidas avaliadas não mostraram alteração estatisticamente significativa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate dento skeletal changes due to Twin-Block and to Thurow appliances use in class II malocclusion patients, treated during pre growing spur phase for 12 months. Sample was composed by 58 randomly selected patients, following inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients used Twin-Block appliance, 19 were submitted to Thurow ones and the rest belonged to control group. Cephalometrics were done in the beggining and by 12 months of treatment. Data obtained from cephalometry was statistically analyzed, as measurements were divided into groups for dental and skeletal structural changes to be evaluated. Bonferroni test was used for paired groups comparation. Results suggest the Twin Block functional appliance promotes statistically significant changes (p < 0,001) as regard to total mandible length, a maxilo-mandibular antero-posterior reduction and anterior facial length increasing when compared to control group. Significant reduction (p < 0,001) of upper incisors’ inclination and significant increasing (p < 0,001) in lower incisors proclination for Thurow group when compared to control group may also be considered. Maxillary growth restriction, maxillary distalization nor first molars antero-posterior position changes were observed.

Resposta incremental do crescimento do ramo mandibular com o uso dos aparelhos de Fränkel e Herbst, segundo a análise de Björk e Jarabak / Mandibular ramus incremental growth response using Fränkel and Herbst appliances according to the analysis by Björk and Jarabak

Este trabalho destinou-se a avaliar a resposta de crescimento do ramo mandibular, frente ao uso dos aparelhos funcionais de Fränkel e Herbst, quando comparados com os valores padräo de incrementos anuais descritos por Jarabak. Utilizaram-se, como amostra, os traçados cefalométricos pré e pós-tratamento da análise de Björk e Jarabak de 16 pacientes tratados com aparelhos de Herbst e 16 pacientes tratados com aparelhos de Fränkel. Estes foram selecionados previamente, através de critérios específicos. Observou-se uma melhor resposta incremental anualizada do ramo mandibular nos pacientes que apresentaram, no traçado inicial, a porcentagem de Jarabak, indicativa de crescimento anti-horário. Do mesmo modo, uma resposta positiva em relaçäo ao crescimento foi observada com uso dos aparelhos funcionais descritos

Traçäo ortopédica da maxila versus avanço mandibular no tratamento da classe II: avaliaçäo das alteraçöes dento-esqueléticas e relato de caso clínico em gêmeos / Maxilla orthopedic headgear versus mandibular advancement in the class II treatment: evaluation of the dental-skeletal changes and report of clinical case in twins

O objetivo do presente trabalho consistiu em comparar os efeitos de duas terapias ortopédicas distintas (avanço mandibular e traçäo ortopédica de maxila) para uma mesma displasia (classe II de Angle com envolvimento esquelético). A opçäo pela comparaçäo dos efeitos das duas terapias em gêmeos se justifica devido a semelhança de suas respostas. Neste trabalho em gêmeos dizigóticos, ficou comprovada a eficácia de ambas as mecanoterapias, embora o resultado facial tenha apresentado pequenas diferenças