Obstructive sleep apnoea. Part II: Treatment with a customised dental appliance

The use of dental appliances in the treatment of patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea is an important treatment modality for those patients not severe enough for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or who cannot tolerate this form of treatment. A mandibular advancement splint has been specifically designed to eliminate snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. The appliance's design parameters included ease of insertion, comfort, and maximum effectiveness. Customised appliances have been designed for dentate, semi-dentate, and edentulous patients. To date, over 100 appliances have been used with a symptomatic improvement in snoring and well-being in over 80 percent of patients. Dental appliances for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are simple, cost effective, and reversible.