Long-term effectiveness and side effects of mandibular advancement devices on dental and skeletal parameters

Long-term efficacy of mandibular advancement devices in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aims to review the long-term subjective and objective efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized self-controlled trials with a treatment duration of at least 1 year with MAD were included. The quality assessment and data extraction of the included studies were conducted in the meta-analysis. A total of 22 studies were included in this study, of which 20 (546 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. All the studies had some shortcomings, such as small sample sizes, unbalanced sex, and high dropout rates. The results suggested that long-term treatment of MAD can significantly reduce the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) by -3.99 (95%CI -5.93 to -2.04, p<0.0001, I2 = 84%), and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) -16.77 (95%CI -20.80 to -12.74) events/h (p<0.00001, I2 = 97%). The efficacy remained statistically different in the severity (AHI<30 or >30 events/h) and treatment duration (duration <5y or >5y) subgroups. Long-term use of MAD could also significantly decrease blood pressure and improve the score of functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire (FOSQ). Moderate evidence suggested that the subjective and objective effect of MAD on adult OSA has long-term stability. Limited evidence suggests long-term use of MAD might improve comorbidities and healthcare. In clinical practice, regular follow-up is recommended.

Pharyngeal Airspace Alterations after Using the Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), inserted in non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), are used intra-orally during the sleep period, with the aim of promoting mandibular protrusion. The aim of the study is to analyze the changes in the upper airway after the use of an MAD in the treatment of OSAHS. Methods: 60 patients diagnosed with OSAHS, as established by the Sleep Medicine Service, underwent treatment with the Silensor SL device at the Stomatology Service of the University Hospital Center of Coimbra, from January 2018 to January 2019. All patients completed two polysomnographies and two lateral teleradiographies: one before starting treatment (T0) and one after 1 year of treatment (T1). In the lateral teleradiography performed after one year of treatment, the patient had the MAD placed intra-orally. The linear measurements of the airspace proposed by the Arnett/Gunson FAB Surgery cephalometric analysis were measured at four craniometric points: A, MCI, B, Pog. Results: The results demonstrate an anteroposterior airway enlargement in two of the four points studied with the MAD placed intra-orally (B and Pog point). The greatest average increase is observed at point Pog (3 mm), followed by B (1 mm), and finally, point A (0.6 mm). Conclusions: This study proved that there is an improvement in anteroposterior measurements at various points in the upper airways after treatment with MAD.

Long-term dentoskeletal side effects of mandibular advancement therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: data from the Pays de la Loire sleep cohort

OBJECTIVES

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the main therapeutic alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term dentoskeletal side effects of MADs and to identify the predictive factors for these side effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients from the Pays de la Loire cohort treated with a custom-made MAD for at least 1 year were included in this retrospective study. Digital cephalometric analyses were performed at baseline and at follow-up.

RESULTS

We included a total of 117 patients, treated with a MAD for a median [interquartile range] of 4.6 [2.6-6.6] years. The main significant side effects were a decrease in overbite (- 0.5 ± 1 mm), overjet (- 0.7 ± 1 mm) and maxillary incisor inclination (- 2.5 ± 2.8°) and an increase in mandibular incisor inclination (+ 2.2 ± 2.7°). Subjective side effects were not linked to the observed dentoskeletal changes. Current smokers were at higher risk of overjet modifications. A pre-existing anterior open-bite was associated with a greater decrease in overbite. Treatment duration was associated with a more pronounced mandibular incisor proclination. Propulsion was negatively associated with maxillary incisor retroclination.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term dentoskeletal side effects were mainly moderate dental side effects. Some predictive factors were shown to be associated with more pronounced changes. Subjective side effects did not appear to be reliable tools to detect dentoskeletal side effects.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Regular follow-up with clinical examination and regular radiographs is mandatory. The predictive factors could be of interest for a better selection of patients and to individualize follow-up.