Treatment with oral devices for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)

• Main Author: Carlos Alberto Sánchez-Ariza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2017-08-01
• Series: Revista de la Facultad de Medicina
• Subjects: Avance mandibular; Medicina oral; Mandíbula; Ajuste oclusal.
• Online Access: https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/revfacmed/article/view/59642

The objective of this article is to improve the management of oral devices (OD) by treating dentists, by achieving an adequate selection of OD, and providing safety and effectiveness to the patient. The use of this type of devices attempt to decrease the frequency or duration of respiratory events. ODS are indicated in patients with primary snoring, mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and severe OSAHS who do not want or cannot tolerate positive airway pressure therapy. ODS are classified into tongue retaining devices, and non-adjustable and adjustable devices —the latter being the most recommended due to its characterization as a mandibular advanced device (MAD) since they are tailor-made, adjustable and have a dual arc. Their action mechanism consists of protrusion of the lower jaw, hyoid bone advancement and mandibular opening. MAD are more effective in young patients with lower body mass index (BMI), reduced neck circumference, positional OSAHS and retrognathic jaw. Adverse effects such as excessive salivation, occlusal changes and temporomandibular disorders may occur. MAD have proven to have an impact on decreased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and daytime sleepiness; they also improve nocturnal oxygenation, cardiovascular function, quality of life and neurocognitive behavior. In addition, adherence to treatment with MAD is greater than to positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. A therapy combining MAD with PAP and other treatments is promising for those patients who respond insufficiently to monotherapy.