2 research outputs found
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients using oral appliances: Our experiences
Background/Aim. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most prevalent
sleep disorders. It is recognized as a serious risk factor for car and
workplace accidents due to daytime sleepiness, and factor for coronary heart
diseases and stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness
of oral appliances for mandibular advance in treating mild to moderate OSA.
Methods. A total of 15 patients were included in this study, all diagnosed
with mild or moderate OSA. Oral appliances were custom made for each patient
in protrusive position at 50% of maximum mandibular advancement. The patients
were given instructions not to sleep on their backs and avoid alcohol
consumption during the study as these are the factors that can contribute to
symptoms progression. Results. Complete and partial treatment success was
achieve in 14 of the patients. Apnea-hypopnea index values were significantly
lower (p < 0.05) at the end of a 6-month observation period compared to those
at the treatment beginning. A great improvement in symptoms was observed,
with daytime sleepiness index values significantly reduced already within the
first month of the treatment. Conclusion. Treatment of obstructive sleep
apnea with oral appliances has proven successful. Patients were comfortable
using oral appliances and were ready to wear them for prolonged period of
time. Use of oral appliances is very common in the world and should not be
discarded. They are also very comfortable, practical and affordable comparing
to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus, not to mention
surgery. Use of oral appliances is safe and very well tolerated, and ought to
be offered to patients with OSA
Optical Aspect of Deformation Analysis in the Bone-Denture Complex
The aim of this study was to register and measure any deformation of mandible models under load. The method for full field measurement of strain is done by using the ARAMIS three-dimensional image correlation system. The system uses two digital cameras that provide a synchronized stereo view of the specimen and the results show the complete strain field during the tests. The biggest deformation values were just under the working force of the biggest intensity 500 N, and for the region of the lower second premolar the deformation is 625 mm. The following study is presented that highlight the use of stereometric measuring system for modern research. It is shown that this measuring methodology can capture the trends of the experiments