Impact of a mandibular advancement device on corticomotor plasticity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Neuroplasticity induced by mandibular advancement appliance (MAD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is poorly documented. OBJECTIVE: This randomised placebo-controlled crossover mechanistic study assessed the effects of short-term use of a MAD on corticomotor excitability of the masseter and tongue in patients with OSA. METHODS: Adults (n = 28) with mild or moderate OSA were randomly allocated to sleep with a MAD for 2-weeks with 40% of the maximal protrusion (MAD active position) and without any jaw protrusion (MAD placebo position). The outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 2 and 6 weeks, with a 2-week washout period. The primary outcome was the amplitude of motor evoked potential (MEP) assessed on the right masseter, right side of tongue and right first dorsal interosseous with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Corticomotor map volume of the same muscles was also assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVAs followed by Tukey test were applied to the data (p < .050). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the MEP amplitude of the masseter and tongue following the MAD active position compared with the baseline and MAD placebo (Tukey: p < .001). There were no significant MEP amplitude differences between the baseline and placebo positions (p > .050). Moreover, there was a significant increase in corticomotor map volume for the masseter and tongue muscles following the MAD active position compared with baseline and MAD placebo (Tukey: p < .003). CONCLUSION: Excitability of the masseter and tongue motor pathways is, at least transiently, increased in patients with OSA following a short-term use of MAD. This novel finding of MAD-induced neuroplasticity in corticomotor pathways may contribute to a further understanding of the mechanisms of oral appliances for treating OSA.

Mandibular advancement device in obstructive sleep apnea treatment: what happens to the condyle position and patient response?

BACKGROUND: This study aims primarily to assess the mandibular condyles and patient response to MAD therapy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Also, the study proposes to analyze whether variations in condylar position, OSA severity and mandibular protrusion influence patient response. METHODS: 23 patients diagnosed with mild/moderate OSA and treated with MAD comprised the sample. Clinical, CBCT, and PSG assessments were conducted at baseline and with MAD in therapeutic protrusion (4-6 months of MAD use). The condyle position was vertically and horizontally evaluated at baseline and at the therapeutic protrusion. RESULTS: The condyle position significantly changed with MAD, showing anterior (7.3 ± 2.8 mm; p < 0.001) and inferior (3.5 ± 1 mm; p < 0.001) displacement. Patients with mild OSA required more protrusion (p = 0.02) for improvement. Responders exhibited a significantly prominent (p = 0.04) anterior baseline condyle position. A negative modest correlation was found between treatment response and baseline condyle anterior position (p = 0.03; r=-0.4), as well as between OSA severity and the percentage of maximum protrusion needed for therapeutic protrusion (p = 0.02; r=-0.4). The patient protrusion amount did not predict condylar positional changes. Neither condyle position, OSA severity, nor therapeutic protrusion were predictors of MAD treatment response. CONCLUSION: MAD resulted in anterior and inferior condylar displacement, and the amount of protrusion did not predict condylar positional changes. Responders showed a more anterior baseline condyle position. OSA severity and mandibular protrusion did not predict treatment response.

Relationship between OSA pathophysiological phenotypes and treatment response to mandibular advancement devices: a pilot study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether critical pathophysiological phenotypes predict treatment response in patients with obstructive sleep apnea using a mandibular advancement device (MAD). METHODS: Thirty-one patients with obstructive sleep apnea were treated with a MAD. Individuals were categorized and graded into 4 pathophysiological phenotypes based on polysomnographic features (anatomical, ventilatory control, arousal threshold, and muscle responsiveness). Morpho-anthropometric data were additionally assessed. Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders. Associations between polysomnographic phenotypes and treatment response were documented, as were morpho-anthropometric data and their impact on therapeutic success. RESULTS: There was a male predominance (64.5%), with a median age of 49 years (25th percentile: 40; 75th percentile: 55), body mass index = 27.4 kg/m2 (25th percentile: 26; 75th percentile: 28.8), and apnea-hypopnea index of 18.2 events/h (25th percentile: 11.7; 75th percentile: 27.6). The majority of patients treated with a MAD (58%) were good responders (68.0% mild and moderate vs 16.7% severe). Treatment response was associated with shorter intermolar and interpremolar distances in the lower arch (P = .0092 and .0129). Rapid eye movement sleep apnea-hypopnea index and MAD-related treatment response were inversely correlated (P = .0013). Favorable anatomical (P = .0339) and low muscle response (P = .0447) phenotypes were correlated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, a favorable response occurred in a better "anatomical phenotype" and in the worse "muscular responsiveness phenotype" according to polysomnographic data. Furthermore, other favorable predictors, such as a rapid eye movement sleep apnea-hypopnea index < 16 events/h and a smaller distance between lower molars and premolars, were found. These findings indicate that clinical and polysomnographic aspects can discriminate phenotypes that may guide decisions on MAD treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CITATION: Manetta IP, Duarte BB, Nucci LB, Enes CC. Relationship between OSA pathophysiological phenotypes and treatment response to mandibular advancement devices: a pilot study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(8):1321-1330.

Evaluation of condylar and mandibular movements on the upper airway during the use of mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), condylar and mandibular movements in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients treated with mandibular advancement device (MAD) and to identify the influence of these anatomic factors on upper airway (UA) volume and polysomnographic outcomes after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty OSA patients were prospectively treated with MAD. Clinical examinations, cone-beam computed tomography, and polysomnography were performed before MAD treatment and after achieving therapeutic protrusion. Polysomnographic variables and three-dimensional measurements of the TMJ, mandible, and upper airway were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Condylar rotation, anterior translation, and anterior mandibular displacement were directly correlated with total UA volume, while vertical mandibular translation was inversely correlated with the volume of the inferior oropharynx. MAD treatment resulted in an increase in the volume and area of the superior oropharynx. There was no statistically significant correlation between condylar rotation and translation and polysomnographic variables. With MAD, there was a significant increase in vertical dimension, changes in condylar position (rotation and translation), and mandibular displacement. The central and medial lengths of the articular eminence were inversely correlated with condylar rotation and translation, respectively. The lateral length of the eminence was directly correlated with condylar translation, and the lateral height was directly correlated with condylar rotation and translation. CONCLUSION: Condylar and mandibular movements influenced UA volume. The articular eminence played a role in the amount of condylar rotation and translation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Individualized anatomical evaluation of the TMJ proves to be important in the therapy of OSA with MAD.

A mandibular advancement device associated with lingual control: a new treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea?

PURPOSE: Oral appliances (OA) have become the main alternative to positive pressure airway devices (PAP) for the control of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite literature support, controversies about the mode of action and the effectiveness of these devices persist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified mandibular advancement devices (MAD) in patients with OSA who failed treatment with MAD and to evaluate the role of the tongue as a factor in patients who failed treatment with MAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients unable to control the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a MAD were subsequently treated with a modified version that included a tongue trimming accessory. The objective was to stabilize the tongue by preventing it from sliding with the consequent collapse of the upper airway (UA). New polysomnography (PSG) was performed with the modified MAD in place. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients who failed MAD therapy were studied including 15 men (75%) with mean age (± standard deviation) of 58.5 ± 13.1 years and BMI 29.6 ± 5.0 Kg/m2. After installing the tongue trimmer, the number of patients who achieved complete success with the new MAD (AHI < 5) went from 0 to 30% and those who achieved partial success (5 < AHI < 10) went from 0 to 20%. The number of patient responders (AHI reduced by at least 50%) went from 20 to 75%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the tongue, even in the presence of a MAD, may be one of the contributing factors for the collapse of the UA and consequent device ineffectiveness. By stabilizing the tongue through the insertion of a tongue trimmer, the MAD became more effective in many cases.

Three-dimensional comparison between the effects of mandibular advancement device and maxillomandibular advancement surgery on upper airway.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) in improving upper airway (UA) patency has been described as being comparable to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) outcomes. However, no previous study has compared MAD and MMA treatment outcomes for the upper airway enlargement. This study aimed to evaluate three-dimensionally the UA changes and mandibular rotation in patients after MAD compared to MMA. METHODS: The sample consisted of 17 patients with treated with MAD and 17 patients treated with MMA matched by weight, height, body mass index. Cone-beam computed tomography from before and after both treatments were used to measure total UA, superior/inferior oropharynx volume and surface area; and mandibular rotation. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase in the superior oropharynx volume after the treatments (p = 0.003) and the MMA group showed greater increase (p = 0.010). No statistical difference was identified in the MAD group considering the inferior volume, while the MMA group showed a significantly gain (p = 0.010) and greater volume (p = 0.024). Both groups showed anterior mandibular displacement. However, the mandibular rotation were statistically different between the groups (p < 0.001). While the MAD group showed a clockwise rotation pattern (-3.97 ± 1.07 and - 4.08 ± 1.30), the MMA group demonstrated a counterclockwise (2.40 ± 3.43 and 3.41 ± 2.79). In the MAD group, the mandibular linear anterior displacement was correlated with superior [p = 0.002 (r=-0.697)] and inferior [p = 0.004 (r = 0.658)] oropharynx volume, suggesting that greater amounts of mandibular advancement are correlated to a decrease in the superior oropharynx and an increase in the inferior oropharynx. In the MMA group, the superior oropharynx volume was correlated to mandibular anteroposterior [p = 0.029 (r=-0.530)] and vertical displacement [p = 0.047 (r = 0.488)], indicating greater amounts of mandibular advancement may lead to a lowest gain in the superior oropharynx volume, while a great mandibular superior displacement is correlated with improvements in this region. CONCLUSIONS: The MAD therapy led to a clockwise mandibular rotation, increasing the dimensions of the superior oropharynx; while a counterclockwise rotation with greater increases in all UA regions were showed in the MMA treatment.

Effect of CPAP vs. mandibular advancement device for excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, mood, sustained attention, and quality of life in patients with mild OSA.

OBJECTIVE: This study's objective was to compare the best long-term treatment, mandibular advancement device (MAD) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), for patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in improving excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, mood, sustained attention, and quality of life. METHODS: This study was a single-blind, parallel, randomized clinical trial with controls. The sample was composed of individuals between 18 and 65 years of age with a body mass index of < 35 kg/m2 and apnea/hypopnea index above five and less than 15. Participants were submitted to physical examination, polysomnography, and the following questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. They were also presented with the following tests: maintenance of wakefulness test and psychomotor vigilance task. RESULTS: Of 79 patients, 25 were in the MAD group, 31 in the CPAP group, and 23 in the control group. Polysomnographic parameters were best normalized with CPAP compared with MAD. Fatigue was improved in the MAD and CPAP groups, with no difference between these treatments. Quality of life was also improved with both treatments, but CPAP was superior to MAD. Daytime sleepiness, mood, and sustained attention showed no difference with the interventions. Greater adherence was obtained with MAD patients than with CPAP measured by hours of use. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with CPAP was better at normalizing polysomnographic parameters and improving quality of life in patients with mild OSA. Both treatments improved fatigue with no difference between the two treatments. Neither treatment improved daytime sleepiness, mood or sustained attention. CLINICAL TRIALS DATABASE: NTC01461486.

Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy: Are there Predictors for Failure of Oral Appliance Treatment?

Abstract Introduction In the literature, evidence is lacking on the predictive value of druginduced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for oral appliance treatment (OAT). Objectives The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether DISE with concomitant mandibular advancement maneuver can predict failure of OAT. Methods An observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who previously received OAT. Results of DISE were analyzed in a group with documented OAT failure (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >10 events/hour or < 50% reduction) and a group with OAT benefit (AHI <10 events/hour or >50% reduction). The upper airway was assessed using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification. Additionally, a mandibular advancement maneuver, manually protruding the mandible by performing a jaw thrust, was performed to mimic the effect of OAT. Results The present study included 50 patients with OAT failure and 20 patients with OAT benefit. A subgroup analysis of patients with OAT failure and an AHI <30events/hour included 26 patients. In the OAT failure group, 74% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the subgroup with an AHI <30 events/hour, 76.9% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the OAT benefit group, 25% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver (p< 0.001). Conclusions A negative jaw thrust maneuver during DISE can be a valuable predictor for OAT failure, independent of AHI. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy should be considered as a diagnostic evaluation tool before starting OAT.

Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy: Are there Predictors for Failure of Oral Appliance Treatment?

Introduction In the literature, evidence is lacking on the predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for oral appliance treatment (OAT). Objectives The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether DISE with concomitant mandibular advancement maneuver can predict failure of OAT. Methods An observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who previously received OAT. Results of DISE were analyzed in a group with documented OAT failure (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 10 events/hour or < 50% reduction) and a group with OAT benefit (AHI <10 events/hour or > 50% reduction). The upper airway was assessed using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification. Additionally, a mandibular advancement maneuver, manually protruding the mandible by performing a jaw thrust, was performed to mimic the effect of OAT. Results The present study included 50 patients with OAT failure and 20 patients with OAT benefit. A subgroup analysis of patients with OAT failure and an AHI < 30 events/hour included 26 patients. In the OAT failure group, 74% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the subgroup with an AHI < 30 events/hour, 76.9% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the OAT benefit group, 25% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver ( p < 0.001). Conclusions A negative jaw thrust maneuver during DISE can be a valuable predictor for OAT failure, independent of AHI. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy should be considered as a diagnostic evaluation tool before starting OAT.

Three-dimensional craniofacial characteristics associated with obstructive sleep apnea severity and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess craniofacial dimensions in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients treated with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and to identify anatomic influences on OSA severity and MAD therapy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with OSA were prospectively treated with MAD. Clinical, cone-beam computed tomography, and polysomnography exams were performed before treatment and 4-6 months after achieving the MAD therapeutic position. Polysomnographic exams and three-dimensional maxillary, mandibular, and upper airway (UA) measurements were evaluated. Pearson's correlation and t-tests were applied. RESULTS: Before MAD treatment, the transverse width measured at the frontomaxillary suture and the angle between the mandibular ramus and Frankfurt horizontal were statistically correlated with apnea and the hypopnea index (AHI), while the gonial angle was correlated with therapeutic protrusion. After MAD treatment, all patients showed a significant AHI reduction and an improvement in minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation. The UA total volume, superior and inferior oropharynx volume, and area were statistically correlated with MAD therapeutic protrusion. The UA total area showed a statistical correlation with the improvement in AHI, and the superior oropharynx volume and area increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The transversal frontomaxillary suture width and the mandibular ramus facial angle may influence OSA severity. The gonial angle, volume, and area of all UA regions may indicate the amount of protrusion needed for successful MAD treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The craniofacial characteristics reported as important factors for OSA severity and MAD treatment outcomes impact therapy planning for OSA patients, considering individual anatomic characteristics, prognosis, and cost benefits.

The treatment of mild OSA with CPAP or mandibular advancement device and the effect on blood pressure and endothelial function after one year of treatment.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD), and no treatment on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and peripheral arterial tonometry at 6 and 12 months follow-up in individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and in a subgroup who had an apnea-hypopnea index of < 5 events/h and adherence of ≥ 4 hours per night (effective-treatment subgroups). METHODS: The inclusion criteria were individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea, any sex, age between 18 and 65 years, and a body mass index of ≤ 35 kg/m². Patients were randomized into CPAP, MAD, and no-treatment groups. The evaluations included physical examination, full polysomnography, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and peripheral arterial tonometry at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. A generalized linear mixed model was used for comparisons. RESULTS: The CPAP and MAD groups had lower apnea-hypopnea indexes than the control group at 6 and 12 months, and the CPAP group had higher blood oxygen levels (SpO2) than the MAD group. The MAD group had more hours of treatment per night and better adaptation to treatment than the CPAP group (MAD: 5.7 ± 2.7 h/night; CPAP: 3.8 ± 3.4 h/night; MAD: 16% did not adapt; CPAP: 42% did not adapt). No differences were found in the total sample and effective treatment in relation to peripheral arterial tonometry or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP or MAD did not improve blood pressure or endothelial function after 1 year, even in patients with effective treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Oral Appliances Treatments in Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01461486; Identifier: NCT01461486.

Long term oral appliance therapy decreases stress symptoms in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term effects of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) on stress symptoms and cognitive function in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) compared with placebo. METHODS: This study was a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirty UARS patients were randomized into 2 groups: placebo and MAD groups. UARS criteria were the presence of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 10) and/or fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale ≥ 38) associated with an apnea-hypopnea index ≤ 5 events/h and a respiratory disturbance index > 5 events/h of sleep, and/or flow limitation in more than 30% of total sleep time. All patients completed the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, the Logical Memory test, the Stroop Color Test, the Trail Making Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and Inventory of Stress Symptoms. Cognition protocol was defined based on the most used neuropsychological tests in the literature. Evaluations were performed before and after 1.5 years of treatment. RESULTS: Mean adherence to placebo and to MAD was 6.6 ± 2.6 and 6.1 ± 2.4 h/night, respectively. Side effects reported by MAD group were minor and short-term. There was no statistically significant difference in Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, Logical Memory test, Stroop Color Test, Trail Making Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test before and after 1.5 years of treatment in both groups. Inventory of Stress Symptoms score decreased at the alert phase and the resistance phase after 1.5 years of MAD treatment compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular advancement devices were effective in decreasing stress symptoms in UARS patients after 1.5 years of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02636621; Identifier: NTC02636621.

Repercusiones del uso de Dispositivos de Avance Mandibular como Terapia para el Síndrome de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño en el Complejo Temporomandibular. Revisión Narrativa / Repercussions of the use of Mandibular Advancement Devices as Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in the Temporomandibular Complex. Narrative Review

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue escribir, según la literatura científica disponible más actual, los efectos que inducen el uso de dispositivos de avance mandibular, como terapia para el SAHOS, en el sistema temporomandibular de los pacientes. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura más actual (últimos 10 años; 2006-2016) a partir de la búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos PubMed, TripData Base, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library y las revistas especializadas Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine y SLEEP. Con el uso de las palabras clave: "Mandibular advancement device", "orthodonthic appliances", "sleep apnea syndroms", "sleep apnea obstructive", "Temporomandibular joints disorder", los operadores booleanos AND y OR. Se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura evaluando nivel de evidencia, grado de recomendación y riesgo de sesgo de cada publicación. La búsqueda en las distintas bases de datos arrojó un total de 242 documentos, de los cuales 60 fueron seleccionados por título y abstract. Luego 8 estudios fueron descartados por estar repetidos. Se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión quedando un total de 20 artículos; se eliminaron 8 por no responder a la pregunta de investigación y se añadió 1 título mediante la búsqueda manual. Finalmente, se analizaron 13 artículos; 2 revisiones sistemáticas, 2 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y 6 series de casos. La mayoría de los documentos incluidos concuerda en que los efectos inducidos por los DAM, sobre el complejo temporomandibular son mínimos y reversibles, sin explicitar ningún diagnóstico de TTM en particular. Sin embargo, esta evidencia viene en su mayoría de estudios recomendables, pero no concluyentes. Se necesitan más y mejores estudios para realizar un análisis y abstraer conclusiones más certeras. Estos deben ser homogéneos a la hora de clasificar TTM y definir un protocolo óptimo de avance mandibular.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to describe, based on the most recent scientific literature available, the effects produced by the mandibular advance appliances (MAA) as a therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in the temporomandibular system. We carried out a review of the most current literature published in the last 10 years, based on an electronic search in PubMed, TripData Base, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library and the specialized magazines Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and SLEEP. The key words used for each search were "MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE", "ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES", "SLEEP APNEA SYNDROMS", "SLEEP APNEA, OBSTRUCTIVE", and "TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS" combined with boolean operators AND and OR. A critical analysis of the literature was evaluated based on the level of evidence, degree of recommendation and risk of bias of each publication. We obtained 242 articles and 60 of these were selected by title and abstract. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, obtaining 20 articles of which 8 were excluded because they did not answer the investigation question. One article was obtained by manual search. Of this number, 13 articles, 2 systematic reviews, 2 randomized clinical trial and 6 cases series were analyzed. Most of the articles analyzed agreed that the effects produced by the MAA in the temporomandibular complex are minimal and reversible, and they did not specify any TMD diagnosis in particular. However, this evidence comes mostly from recommended but inconclusive studies. More and better designed studies are needed, with homogeneous classification of TMD diagnostic criteria that allows to define an optimal protocol for mandibular advancement as a therapy.

Long-Term Oral Appliance Therapy Improves Daytime Function and Mood in Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome Patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term effects of an oral appliance on clinical symptoms, respiratory sleep parameters, sleep quality, and sustained attention in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) were compared with placebo. Methods: This study was a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirty UARS patients were randomized in two groups: placebo and mandibular advancement device (MAD) groups. UARS criteria were presence of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 10) and/or fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale ≥ 38) associated with an apnea/hypopnea index ≤ 5 and a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) > 5 events/hour of sleep, and/or flow limitation in more than 30% of total sleep time. All patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, underwent full-night polysomnography, multiple sleep latency test, and Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). Evaluations were performed before and after 1.5 years of treatment. Results: RDI, number of respiratory effort-related arousal, percentage of total sleep time with flow limitation, and arousal index significantly decreased after 1.5 years of MAD treatment. PSQI total score improved, severity of depression symptoms decreased, and mean reaction time in the PVT, based on the first measurement taken at 8:00 am, significantly decreased (p = .03) at the end of the protocol. Conclusions: The MAD was effective in decreasing respiratory events in UARS patients. For UARS, 1.5 years of oral appliance therapy also improved sleep quality and sustained attention, and decreased the severity of depression symptoms. Clinical Trial: Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: Randomized, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study, NCT02636621.

Decrease of respiratory events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome using a mandibular advancement device assessed with split night polysomnography.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a feasible choice in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), in well selected patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of MAD in patients with OSAHS, using split night polysomnography (SNP). METHOD: We performed an auto controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of MAD in 30 patients with snoring and OSAHS. Clinical evaluation was made every 2 weeks to adjust treatment and observe changes in clinical symptoms. Three-months after placement of the MAD, a SNP was performed, using the MAD in the second half of the night, in order to compare the respiratory results. RESULTS: SNP show significant changes with use of MAD (p<0.05) such as: Decrease in Snore index (from 159.95 to 32.46/h) and in Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, from 22.45 to 4.63/h), increase in oxygen saturation (SaO2, from 89.98% to 91.39%) and somnolence improvement, using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (from 14.4 to 4.6 points). CONCLUSION: Our data supports that the use of MAD is an alternative in the management of OSAHS, in well selected patients, used in a multidisciplinary fashion, and evaluated using a SNP.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with mandibular advancement appliance over prostheses: A case report.

Treatment with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is recommended for mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), primary snoring and as a secondary option for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, because it has better adherence and acceptance. However, edentulous patients do not have supports to hold the MAD. This study aimed to present a possible to OSA treatment with MAD in over complete upper and partial lower dentures. The patient, a 38-year-old female with mild OSA, was treated with a MAD. The respiratory parameter, such as apnea-hypopnea index, arousal index and oxyhemoglobin saturation was improved after treatment.

Aparelho de avanço mandibular aumenta o volume da via aérea superior de pacientes com apneia do sono / Increase in upper airway volume in patients with obstructive sleep apnea using a mandibular advancement device

INTRODUÇÃO: o diagnóstico, o tratamento e o acompanhamento de pacientes portadores da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) são essenciais, por se tratar de um distúrbio que pode causar alterações sistêmicas. A efetividade do tratamento da SAOS com aparelhos intrabucais foi demonstrada através de estudos cefalométricos. OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do aparelho de avanço mandibular (Twin Block, TB) no volume das vias aéreas superiores, por meio de tomografia computadorizada Cone-Beam (CBCT). Dezesseis pacientes (6 homens e 10 mulheres) portadores de SAOS leve a moderada, idade média de 47,06 anos, utilizaram um aparelho de avanço mandibular e foram acompanhados por 7 meses, em média. MÉTODOS: foram feitas duas CBCT, sendo uma sem e outra com o aparelho em posição. A segmentação e a obtenção dos volumes das vias aéreas superiores foram realizadas e utilizado o teste t de Student pareado para análise estatística, com 5 por cento de significância. RESULTADOS: houve aumento do volume da via aérea superior com TB quando comparado com o volume sem TB (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: pode-se concluir que o aumento de volume da via aérea superior observado foi associado ao aparelho de avanço mandibular.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are crucial because this disorder can cause systemic changes. The effectiveness of OSAS treatment with intraoral devices has been demonstrated through cephalometric studies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a mandibular advancement device (Twin Block, TB) on the volume of the upper airways by means of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Sixteen patients (6 men and 10 women) with mild to moderate OSAS, mean age 47.06 years, wore a mandibular advancement device and were followed up for seven months on average. METHODS: Two CBCT scans were obtained: one with and one without the device in place. Upper airway volumes were segmented and obtained using Student's paired t-tests for statistical analysis with 5 percent significance level. RESULTS: TB use increased the volume of the upper airways when compared with the volume attained without TB (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that this increased upper airway volume is associated with the use of the TB mandibular advancement device.

Bite force and sleep quality in patients with bruxism before and after using a mandibular advancement device / Força de mordida e qualidade do sono em pacientes bruxômanos antes e após o uso de placa de avanço mandibular

Purpose: This study aimed to compare bite force and sleep quality in patients with bruxism before and after using a soft mandibular advancement device. Methods: Eighteen patients with bruxism attending the Occlusion Clinics of the PUCRS Dental School were selected according to the study eligibility criteria, examined according to the RDC/DTM protocol, and treated with a soft mandibular advancement device. Before the treatment and after 30 days the subjects were tested for: maximal bite force with a cross-arch force transducer placed in the first molar region, sleep quality assessed by means of the University of Toronto Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), and number of masseter muscle contractions during sleep measured with the adhesive BiteStrip®. Data were analyzed by Student t tests, Wilcoxon tests, and McNemar tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: After 30 days using the mandibular advancement device there was a significant decrease in some bruxism parameters, bite force, and total SAQ score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that the use of a soft mandibular advancement device for one month reduced bite force and bruxism and improved sleep quality in this sample.

Objetivo: Comparar a força de mordida e a qualidade do sono em pacientes com bruxismo antes e depois do uso de uma placa de avanço mandibular resiliente. Metodologia: Dezoito pacientes com bruxismo em atendimento na Clínica de Oclusão da Faculdade de Odontologia da PUCRS foram selecionados de acordo com os critérios de eligibilidade do estudo, examinados segundo o protocolo RDC/DTM e tratados com uma placa de avanço mandibular resiliente. Antes e após 30 dias de uso da placa de avanço mandibular os sujeitos foram submetidos a testes de força máxima de mordida com um transdutor de força compressiva de arco cruzado posicionado na região de primeiro molar; de qualidade do sono, de acordo com o questionário QAS da Universidade de Toronto; e de contagem do número de contrações do músculo masseter durante o sono usando-se o adesivo BiteStrip®. Os dados foram analisados por teste t de Student, teste de Wilcoxon e teste de McNemar ao nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Houve diminuição significativa (P < 0,05) dos parâmetros de bruxismo, de força de mordida e do escore total do QAS após o uso da placa de avanço mandibular por 30 dias. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o uso da placa de avanço mandibular resiliente por um mês reduziu a força de mordida e o bruxismo e melhorou a qualidade do sono nesta amostra.