DENTAL AND SKELETAL CHANGES OF LONG-TERM USE OF MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ADULT OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Long-term use of MADs has been found to be associated with dental and skeletal changes. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to improve knowledge about the dental and skeletal changes of long-term (>1 year) use of MADs for the treatment of OSA.

Material and Methods

Electronic databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers conducted screening, quality assessment, and data extraction independently. Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review and 23 in the meta-analysis.

Results

The mean change of overjet and overbite was -0.77mm (95%CI -1.01 to -0.53, P < .00001) and -0.64mm (95%CI -0.85 to -0.43, P < .00001), with progressive change over the treatment duration. The inclination of the upper incisor (U1/SN) and the lower incisor (L1/MP) showed a mean change of retroclined -2.10° (95%CI -3.93 to -0.28, P = .02) and proclined 1.78° (95%CI 0.63 to 2.92, P = .002), respectively. The mean change of the anteroposterior position of the mandible (SNB) was -0.33° posteriorly (95%CI -0.65 to -0.02, P = .04).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis showed a gradual decrease in overjet and overbite with treatment duration with long-term use of MADs for the treatment of OSA. Upper and lower incisors retroclined and proclined, respectively. The skeletal changes might include the mandibular position. Patients treated with MADs need to be continuously monitored over time.