Pharyngeal airway volume as a predictor of the efficacy of obstructive sleep apnea treatment with a mandibular advancement device

Abstract

Background:The efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) varies widely among patients, and at present it is difficult to predict success. Previous studies have shown a relationship between a gain in pharyngeal volume with MAD in situ and the success of the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate this change in volume of the upper airway using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), measured at a baseline of maximum intercuspation (T0) and at maximum protrusion (T1) using a George Gauge to simulate a MAD produced protusion, and investigate whether this change in volume can be used to predict success with MAD.