ABSTRACT
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-disordered breathing in
the adult population and if untreated remains a significant cause of morbidity and
mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is still the gold standard
treatment for OSA, but patient acceptance and adherence are often poor due to a multitude
of factors, thereby compromising treatment success. Mandibular advancement devices
(MADs) have been proposed not only as a first line therapy for symptomatic snoring
patients, but also for those suffering from mild to moderate OSA, or those who refuse
or do not tolerate CPAP. Yet, improved understanding of MAD regarding design, construction,
and mechanisms of action is an important requirement to successfully implement MAD
as a therapeutic tool. Therefore, the main focus of this paper is to focus on the
general concepts and mechanisms of action of MAD, while highlighting important characteristics
in the context of their use as a viable and effective treatment option for OSA patients.
Keywords:
Sleep Apnea - Obstructive - Mandibular Advancement - Occlusal Splints