Oral Appliances

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Oral Appliances 101 - Jaw Gymnastics

  • Definition: Custom-fitted intra-oral devices worn during sleep to treat sleep-disordered breathing.
  • Purpose: Non-invasive option for snoring & mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
  • Mechanism: "Jaw gymnastics" - mechanically reposition anatomical structures.
    • Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Protrude the mandible.
    • Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): Hold the tongue forward.
  • Effect: Enlarges posterior airway space, reduces airway collapse.

⭐ OAs improve airway patency by mechanically altering the position of the mandible, tongue, or soft palate, primarily targeting retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction.

OA Candidates - The Right Fit

  • Good Candidates (Indications):
    • Primary snoring
    • Mild OSA (AHI 5-14.9/hr), Moderate OSA (AHI 15-29.9/hr)
    • CPAP intolerance, non-adherence, or refusal
    • Patient preference over CPAP for mild OSA
  • Not Ideal / Contraindications:
    • Severe OSA (AHI ≥30/hr) as primary monotherapy
    • Predominant Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
    • Active, severe TMJ disorders or pain
    • Insufficient healthy teeth (<8-10 per arch) or active periodontal disease
    • Limited mandibular protrusion capability (<5mm)
    • Poor patient motivation or compliance

⭐ Polysomnography (PSG) is essential for diagnosis and assessing OSA severity (e.g., AHI, RDI, oxygen desaturation) before OA consideration.

OA Arsenal - Mouthpieces & More

and Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) in treating sleep apnea)

FeatureMandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
MechanismProtrudes mandible & tongue base, enlarging retropalatal & retroglossal airway space.Holds tongue anteriorly using a suction bulb, preventing posterior tongue displacement.
IndicationsMild-moderate OSA; CPAP intolerance/refusal; primary snoring.OSA with poor dentition, edentulous patients, or TMJ issues contraindicating MADs.
AdvantagesGenerally more effective for OSA; better patient compliance & long-term tolerance.No reliance on teeth; simpler design; alternative when MADs are unsuitable.
DisadvantagesTMJ pain/dysfunction; dental changes (bite alterations, tooth mobility); ↑ salivation.Tongue tip discomfort/soreness; gagging; generally less effective for severe OSA.
Mnemonic📌 MAD: Mandible Advances Daily📌 TRD: Tongue Restrained Device

OA Performance - Hits & Misses

  • AHI reduction: Success = AHI ↓ by ≥50% & final AHI <10/hr; less effective than CPAP in severe OSA.
  • Good for mild-moderate OSA, CPAP intolerance/refusal.
  • Improves snoring, daytime sleepiness (ESS ↓), Quality of Life (QoL).
  • Modest BP ↓ in hypertensive patients.

Common Side Effects & Management:

Side EffectManagement
Jaw/TMJ Pain/DiscomfortGradual advancement, analgesics, morning exercises
Excessive SalivationUsually transient, resolves spontaneously
Dry MouthHumidification, hydration, saliva substitutes
Tooth/Gingival SorenessAdjust fit, dental review, soft diet initially
Dental/Occlusal ChangesRegular dental monitoring & follow-up

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Oral appliances (OAs) are mainly Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), advancing mandible & tongue.
  • They enlarge the retropalatal & retroglossal airway, improving airflow.
  • Indicated for mild-moderate OSA (AHI 5-30), snoring, & CPAP intolerance.
  • Contraindications: Severe OSA (AHI >30 first-line), significant TMJ issues, poor dentition.
  • Less effective than CPAP for severe OSA, but compliance can be better.
  • Side effects: TMJ pain, dental changes, altered salivation.
  • Titration is key for efficacy and comfort.

Practice Questions: Oral Appliances

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 56-year-old woman with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia is found to have an A1C of 11 despite her best attempts at diet and faithfully taking her metformin and glyburide. She reports severe fatigue and sleepiness in the daytime, which has limited her ability to exercise. On examination, she is obese, has a full appearing posterior pharynx, clear lungs, a normal heart examination, and trace bilateral edema. Her TSH is 2.0 m/L (normal). Before adding another oral agent or switching to insulin, what is the best next step?

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Flashcards: Oral Appliances

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_____ is the most common surgery done in OSAHS but it is reserved for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ is the most common surgery done in OSAHS but it is reserved for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

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