Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University
Abstract
Upper airway obstruction by the tongue occurs frequently in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Consequently, eliminating the collapse of the pharyngeal structures and reducing the air resistance in the cavity of pharynx could lead to the improvement of respiratory disturbance during sleep. This paper reports a clinical trial of the mandibular advancement device (MAD) for the conservative treatment of OSAS. In this case, the MAD moved the mandible to an anteroinferior position, and advanced the root of the tongue and the soft palate. In addition, middle and inferior airway space were remarkably increased. It appears that the reduction in the total number of apneic events and in the apnea-hypopnes index is attributed to the effect of the MAD on the oropharyngeal structures. Thus, the MAD may be an effective therapeutic alternative in patients with OSAS, and dentists could contribute to the manegement of OSAS patients
