The use of mandibular advancement devices for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep disordered breathing, having numerous systematic consequences. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices (CPAP) have been used effectively so far for the treatment of OSA, but there is an important number of patients, up to 50%, that show bad adherence to CPAP treatment and may finally quit. Other therapeutic interventions that have been effective are dental devices that force the mandible to a forward position. The placement of these so called mandibular advancement devices (Mandibular Advancement Devices/MADs) causes the mandible to be positioned forward and downwards to its normal position. These dental devices are an acceptable option for the treatment of OSA apart from CPAP. Although, their efficacy is lower than that of CPAP in severe OSA, they can be effectively used in mild to moderate OSA because of their ease of use, lower cost and because they can be well-tolerated.