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Published on: December 6, 2016
Effects of occlusal stabilization splints on obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial
Maria Nikolopoulou1, Jari Ahlberg, Corine M Visscher
1Department of Oral Kinesiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mnikolop@yahoo.com
Journal of Orofacial Pain
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Occlusal stabilization splints may worsen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by increasing the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). While the effect was statistically significant, its small size limits clinical relevance for OSA patients.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Dental Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated airway collapse.
- Occlusal stabilization splints are sometimes used to manage OSA, but their impact on respiratory variables requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of occlusal stabilization splints on sleep-related respiratory parameters in patients diagnosed with OSA.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study involving 10 OSA patients who underwent polysomnography with and without a maxillary stabilization splint.
- Data were collected over three nights for each condition (splint in situ vs. no splint).
Main Results:
- The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) was significantly higher when patients used the stabilization splint (17.4 events/hour) compared to when they did not (15.9 events/hour).
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores between the two conditions.
Conclusions:
- Occlusal stabilization splint use may pose a risk for worsening OSA, indicated by an increased AHI.
- The observed effect size was small, suggesting limited clinical significance for the overall management of OSA in this patient group.
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