Upper Airway Characteristics and Morphological Changes by Different MADs in OSA Adult Subjects Assessed by CBCT 3D Imaging

This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of four different designs of the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and the morphological changes on upper airway characteristics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients inducted by each of them, detected by Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) 3D imaging. Twenty-two patients were recruited after an OSA diagnosis with PSG. Four different customised and titratable MADs were used and an initial CBCT scan was obtained for each patient. Six months after the end of the MAD titration phase, all the subjects performed a second PSG with the MAD in situ; the second PSG showed an Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI) of <5 or a decrease of 50% in AHI when compared with the initial AHI. Moreover, a second CBCT scan with the MAD in situ was performed. DICOM files were imported into the airway analysis software programme and the pharyngeal area around the oropharynx was highlighted. The area and volume of the oropharynx with and without the device was evaluated. A considerable improvement of the airway was observed (+33.76%), and a significant difference in the enlargement ratio between the posterior soft palate (+32.41%) and the posterior tongue (+36.96%) region was also found. The greatest increase in airway volume was achieved in patients treated with the MAD Forward and TAP (+42.77% and +41.63%, respectively). MAD therapy is effective to treat moderate to severe OSA with an increased upper airway volume. The design of the MAD can influence the effectiveness of the treatment.