Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-associated disorder of breathing with a reduction or complete airflow obstruction despite an ongoing effort by patient for breathing. The present study was conducted to assess orthodontic treatment in management of OSA patients. Materials & methods: 70 patients of OSA of both genders were included. The upper airway was measured. All patients were given mandibular advancement appliance. All patients were recalled regularly and pre- treatment and post treatment airway was compared. Results: Out of 70 patients, males were 40 and females were 30. The mean pre- treatment nasopharyngeal airway space was 29.4 mm and post treatment space was 26.4 mm, oropharyngeal space was 11.2 mm and post pharyngeal space was 9.0 mm, hypopharyngeal space was 10.2 mm and post pharyngeal space was 18.4 mm. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Mandibular advancement appliance found to be effective in management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.