Oral appliance influence on jaw function in obstructive sleep apnea

Area of Science:

• Dental Sleep Medicine
• Orthodontics
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Oral appliance (OA) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Prolonged mandibular protrusion by OAs may affect normal jaw function.
• The long-term effects of OAs on jaw function require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in jaw function symptoms and clinical findings after one year of OA treatment for OSA.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of OAs concerning the masticatory system.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year follow-up clinical trial involving 302 OSA patients treated with monobloc or bibloc OAs.
• Assessment included the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, patient-reported symptoms, and clinical examination of mandibular mobility, occlusion, and temporomandibular joint/masticatory muscle tenderness.
• Paired t-tests and McNemar's test were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• 192 patients completed the study (73% male, mean age 55).
• No significant changes were observed in the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale or overall jaw function symptoms.
• Improvements in morning headaches were noted, alongside increased difficulties in mouth opening/chewing upon awakening and subjective changes in dental occlusion.

Conclusions:

• One year of OA therapy for OSA demonstrated minimal influence on jaw mobility, occlusion, and masticatory muscle/TMJ pain.
• The risk of developing jaw pain or functional impairment was infrequent, suggesting OA treatment for OSA is generally safe.
• OA therapy can be recommended for OSA management with limited adverse effects on jaw function.