Treatment of OSAS with modified twin-block advancement appliances / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a new modified twin-block advancement appliance and investigate the effects on respiratory variables in patients with OSAS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>29 patients with OSAS participated in the study and were fitted with modified twin-block appliances to hold the mandible in an anterior and inferior position. Polysomnography was performed with and without appliance insertion. And questionnaires were used for registration of patients subjective symptoms. Pair-t analysis was used to evaluate the effects of appliances in patients with OSAS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>26 patients responded to the appliance therapy. Apnea-hypopnea index, apnea index and hypopnea index were reduced significantly (P < 0.01). Lowest arterial oxygen saturation improved significantly (P < 0.01). Discomfort with mandibular advancement disappeared within one week.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Modified twin-block advancement appliance is a conservative, successful treatment alternative that could benefit patients suffered from OSAS.</p>