The use of mandibular advancement devices in adult patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: our experience with "Thornton Adjustable Positioner" TAP Splint

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep related disorder resulting in apneic and hypopneic episodes during sleep. The purpose of this article is to present and discuss our experience with the "Thornton Adjustable Positioner" TAP Splint in a consecutive series of patients affected by OSAS.METHODS: The data of all patients affected by OSAS and with indication to oral appliance (OA) treatment at the Dentistry Department of the Vercelli Hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019 were collected. The following data were recorded for each patient: gender; age; smoke and/or alcohol assumption; BMI; comorbidities and current pharmacological therapy; initial AHI; OSAS category; eventual performed OSAS treatment options before OA treatment; indication to OA treatment; final AHI following OA treatment; complications and side effects.RESULTS: A total of 18 subjects (11 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 58,8 years were enrolled in this study with a mean AHI of 27,9 (range 5,8-84). Average BMI was 29. OA treatment reduced AHI in all patients (mean post treatment AHI, 5; range, 3,1-8). All patients were satisfied with the subjective improvement of OSAS symptoms.CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the usefulness of a specific type of mandibular advancement device that can be considered as a valuable therapeutic modality in OSAS patients. Side effects are limited and they usually do not decrease the compliance of patients.