Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repetitive apneas and hypoxia caused by upper airway collapse during sleep. In recent years it has been shown that obstructive sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension. A variety of oral appliances have been effectively used for the treatment of sleep apnea syndrome. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral appliance therapy on blood pressure. Methods: Hundred two patients with sleep apnea syndrome were recruited for this study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were taken in a sitting position using an automatic blood pressure monitor (BP-203RVII). The patients were classified into two groups; hypertension group (systolic blood pressure: > 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure: > 90 mmHg) and normal blood pressure group. The hypertension group (38 patients, mean age: 57.5 years, apnea-hypopnea index: 21.6, systolic blood pressure: 149.7 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure: 93.3 mmHg) and the normal blood pressure group (64 patients, mean age: 52.3 years, apnea-hypopnea index: 17.8, systolic blood pressure: 123.1 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure: 76.5 mmHg) were studied before and after insertion of the individually fabricated and adjusted oral appliance. Results: The mean apnea-hypopnea index of all patients was significantly (p<0.001) decreased after oral appliance therapy. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.001) in the hypertension group (137.4 mmHg, 84.8 mmHg, respectively). While the normal blood pressure group showed a slight reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (122.0 mmHg, 75.9 mmHg, respectively), but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: These data suggest that oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea patients with hypertension can lead to a substantial reduction in daytime blood pressure.

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