Oral appliance management of obstructive sleep apnea: a case report

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring are common related conditions with major health and social implications. OSA is a progressive disease with symptoms of daytime sleepiness and chronic cardiovascular morbidity A mandibular advancement oral appliance is the only nonsurgical management modality available if continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) cannot be tolerated. A patient who had been diagnosed with OSA was successfully treated but developed a posterior open bite and symptomatic temporomandibular joints (TMJ). An integrated approach to managing his OSA and TMJ conditions enabled him to have a comfortable and stable bite and to continue using his obstructive sleep apnea appliance. Management of OSA with an oral appliance should be handled by a dentist who is trained and experienced in the overall care of oral health, temporomandibular joints, dental occlusion, and associated structures. A team approach starting with the diagnosis of OSA by a physician and management by a dentist is described.