Evaluation of Orthodontic Treatment Modalities for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry and Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a global health concern requiring effective treatments.
• Orthodontic interventions can target anatomical issues contributing to OSA and improve airflow during sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of orthodontic treatments for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea.
• To evaluate the impact of various orthodontic interventions on OSA symptoms and related physiological parameters.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of electronic databases was performed.
• Included studies comprised RCTs, prospective/retrospective studies, clinical trials, and observational studies.
• Outcome measures included AHI, oxygen saturation, polysomnography, cephalometrics, nasal parameters, airway morphology, and symptoms.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial 756 records.
• Orthodontic interventions such as rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and oral appliances showed significant promise in paediatric OSA.
• Observed improvements included reduced AHI, enhanced nasal resistance, better sleep parameters, and increased upper airway dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Orthodontic treatment modalities are effective in managing paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to optimize these interventions.
• Orthodontic approaches offer a promising strategy to reduce the global health burden of OSA.