title: Mandibular advancement prosthesis: first-line alternative to surgery in snoring.
abstract: Mandibular advancement prosthesis (MAP) is infrequently used in the UK at present for snoring. First-line measures include dietary and weight modification for those that require it. Where such measures are unlikely to be useful or have already failed, surgery is sometimes utilized as a second-line treatment modality. We evaluate the use of MAP as an adjunct to first-line measures, with emphasis on efficacy, side-effects and patient compliance. Case notes of 30 snorers were reviewed and followed up with a questionnaire. Despite being useful in alleviating snoring, the prosthesis was poorly tolerated. Side-effects include increased salivation, temporomandibular joint pain, intra-oral and myofacial discomfort. Patients who persevered with the prosthesis found the early side-effects resolved after a few weeks and snoring reduced. MAP can be used in the initial management of snorers but patients need to be educated and encouraged, especially in the first few weeks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Minhas
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Dutt
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Deakin
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Pahor
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012913:Snoring / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome