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Published on: December 6, 2016
Effects of simulated arch constriction on upper airway function during sleep
Objectives:
To characterize functional changes of the airway while wearing an appliance simulating severe arch constriction using level 3 polysomnography.
Materials And Methods:
For this pilot, single-blinded prospective randomized cross-over trial, 34 participants were recruited from the student/staff population of a dental school. Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOPBANG questionnaire, lateral cephalograms, and digital dental casts were gathered from all patients. Arch constriction was simulated by adding 5 mm thickness to lingual aspects of the dentition using vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs). Each participant completed three at-home sleep studies with a level 3 sleep monitor: the initial baseline test, and after random allocation of 6 days wearing either the control appliance (regular-VFR), or the simulated arch constriction (SAC) appliance, and following crossover of appliances. Oxygen Desaturation Indices (ODIs) and Respiratory Event Index (REI) were compared.
Results:
Use of the SAC appliance did not affect airway function: No significant difference (P > .05) was found in REI or ODI among the three groups. Five participants had REI values 5.0 or greater on at least one sleep study; however, this was unrelated to appliance use.
Conclusion:
Simulated extreme dental arch constriction did not result in changes to REI. Constriction of the dental arches does not negatively affect airway function during sleep.
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