Objectives: The aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the subjective side effects and the change of the occlusal contacts with the use of mandibular advancement device as a treatement of sleep apnea. Methods: 13 patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea participated in this study (37-67 years). Data from Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) history questionnaire and clinical examination were used to evaluate the symptoms. Recordings of the tooth contacts on intercuspal position were performed with occlusal registration strips and were drawn on a protocol sheet. All patients received a Herbst appliance with 70% of mandibular advancement. This advancement was progressively increased until the patient stopped snoring, and six weeks later the patients were reevaluated. Subjective side effects were recorded. Data from occlusal contacts, overjet and overbite was subjected to Wilcoxon test at significance level of 0.05%. Results: The mean of final mandibular advancement was 79.1%. Subjective side effects were common but in general were transient and mildly disturbing: mild mucosal erosions (54% of patients), hypersalivation (46%), dental discomfort (38%), TMJ pain or discomfort (31%), occlusal changes (23%). Two patients showed the same TMJ sounds as before treatment. The mean of the number of occlusal contacts were reduced from 22.4 to 17,5 (p=0.005), mainly at molar level. Mean of overjet and overbite were also significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 2.9 to 2.3 and 2.5 to 2.1 respectively. One patient stopped wearing the oral device because of occlusal changes. Twelve patients were satisfied with the oral device despite of the side effects. Conclusions: These prelimary results suggest that the use of oral device can produce some transtient and mild subjective side effects and a risk to occlusal changes.

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