Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-disordered breathing in the adult population and if untreated remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is still the gold standard treatment for OSA, but patient acceptance and adherence are often poor due to a multitude of factors, thereby compromising treatment success. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) have been proposed not only as a first line therapy for symptomatic snoring patients, but also for those suffering from mild to moderate OSA, or those who refuse or do not tolerate CPAP. Yet, improved understanding of MAD regarding design, construction, and mechanisms of action is an important requirement to successfully implement MAD as a therapeutic tool. Therefore, the main focus of this paper is to focus on the general concepts and mechanisms of action of MAD, while highlighting important characteristics in the context of their use as a viable and effective treatment option for OSA patients.
Keywords: Mandibular Advancement; Obstructive; Occlusal Splints; Sleep Apnea.