Dr. Holleron found this article recently in the Texas Dental Journal from the UT Health Science Center on sleep apnea and oral appliances.
Oral Appliance Therapy and CPAP Demonstrative Similar Improvements in Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treatment of sleep disorders is certainly a hot topic in dental and medical offices these days and is being found to be linked to a number of health issues.
Following are Dr. Holleron’s thoughts on the article:
“The primary importance of this article is because they compare the results of CPAP therapy on sleep apnea symptoms with MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device), and its effect on sleep apnea symptoms.
What they found was that both treatments (CPAP and MAD) reduced the sleep apnea symptoms, (daytime sleepiness).
Statistically the CPAP performed better, but with symptoms alone, they two methods were essentially equal.
Since most patients coming to our office for “snoring or sleep apnea” appliances have tried CPAP and have been unable to tolerate the masks, we are now pleased to be able to offer the patients some relief with our appliances and this choice for our patients is supported by the current dental literature.”
BH
