Investigation of treatment efficiency with ma appliance on simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine a certain and effective vertical opening amount for the mandibular advancement devices which are used in the treatment of simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and investigate the effects of a new material used for the construction of the appliance. 15 Simple snoring and/or mild OSAS patients, 7 females and 8 males, with baseline total apnea/hypopnea index of 0-15 events whose chronological ages ranging from 31 years to 69 years included in this study. All the patients were generally healty without any temporomandibular joint and periodontal diseases and who had at least 8 teeth per arch. The sample comprised of lateral cephalometric films, polysomnograhpy reports, questionnaire forms obtained before oral appliance therapy and with the oral appliance. 29 parameters taken from lateral cephalometric films, 9 parameters taken from polysomnography reports, 3 parameters taken from questionnaires, total 41 parameters were statistically evaluated. The results were analyzed using paired comparison t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon test. At the end of the study we found significant increase in Oropharyngeal, Hypopharyngeal Airway Dimensions, the narrowest sagittal distance of pharyngeal airway and Tongue Area, Oral Area, Oropharyngeal Area and Nasooropharyngeal Area. Due to these significant increases, significant reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scores, and snoring were observed. Positive changes were seen in respiratory parameters like Total Apnea-Hypopnea Index and Total Hypopnea Index. Patient satisfaction was also observed. Key Words: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Orthodontics.