Mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A longitudinal study among patients treated in community dental care in Finland – Potential for the precision medicine approach

ABSTRACT

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasing health problem worldwide. The aim was to evaluate long-term mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy outcomes in community dental care among OSA patients in Finland.

Methods: In all, 142 (77.2%) respondents of a questionnaire, with recently initiated treatment, were included in the study in 2010. Follow-up questionnaires were mailed in 2012 and 2017.

Results: Problems occurred with the device long-term. Orofacial pain was reported more often in 2012 than in 2010 (p < 0.01). Snoring (p < 0.01) and tiredness (p < 0.05) were also significantly increased. In 2017, 50 subjects were still continuing with MAD, 20 of them as a single treatment modality. Treatment modalities in combination with MAD were CPAP, nutrition counseling, and position treatment.

Discussion: Long-term MAD treatment may lead to a changing treatment-mix and set-backs. This may not only be a treatment adherence issue but also a lack of precision medicine approach regarding OSA.

KEYWORDS:

• Community dental care
• follow-up studies
• mandibular advancement device
• obstructive sleep apnea
• compliance
• snoring

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grants from the City of Helsinki Health Centre and the Finnish Association of Women Dentists.