[Treatment of OSAS with modified twin-block advancement appliances].
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a new modified twin-block advancement appliance and investigate the effects on respiratory variables in patients with OSAS.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified twin-block advancement appliance is a conservative, successful treatment alternative that could benefit patients suffered from OSAS.
Jia
Pei-zeng
PZ
Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. jiapeiz@sina.com
Fu
Min-kui
MK
Zeng
Xiang-long
XL
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome