Objective: To investigate the efficacy of orthodontic microimplant–based mandibular advancement therapies for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adult patients.

 Materials and Methods: Ten adult OSA patients (seven men, three women mean age 60.00 ± 9.25 years) were each treated with two mandibular orthodontic microimplants attached to a customized reverse face mask for mandibular advancement. Pretreatment and posttreatment outcome measures of microimplant mobility, apnea-hypopnea index, snoring, respiratory movement, and Epworth sleepiness scores were evaluated after 6 months.

 Results: Highly significant reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index, snoring, and sleep variables were observed. Sixteen of the 20 (80%) microimplants were stable and showed no mobility, and four (20%) demonstrated grade 1 or 2 mobility and required removal and reinsertion of a new microimplant.

 Conclusions: Favorable reductions in sleep variables highlight the potential of microimplant-based mandibular advancement therapy as an alternative treatment modality for OSA patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure and oral appliance therapy.

 Source: Angle Orthodontists

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