INTRODUCTION: We report on the use of an oral appliance fitted to a few maxillary and mandibular teeth to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: We used a mandibular repositioning appliance, the adjustable PMPositioner. Polysomnograms were taken before and after use of the appliance. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 19.0 to 8.0. Minimum oxygen saturation increased from 80.0% to 86.0%, and rapid eye movement sleep increased from 6.0% to 20.0%, indicating that the device remained in position during sleep. A 2-year follow-up showed that periodontal and gingival health was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Oral appliances such as the PMPositioner are an alternative for treating obstructive sleep apnea in partly edentulous patients. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION: We report on the use of an oral appliance fitted to a few maxillary and mandibular teeth to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: We used a mandibular repositioning appliance, the adjustable PMPositioner. Polysomnograms were taken before and after use of the appliance. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 19.0 to 8.0. Minimum oxygen saturation increased from 80.0% to 86.0%, and rapid eye movement sleep increased from 6.0% to 20.0%, indicating that the device remained in position during sleep. A 2-year follow-up showed that periodontal and gingival health was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Oral appliances such as the PMPositioner are an alternative for treating obstructive sleep apnea in partly edentulouspatients. Copyright (c) 2010 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.