Effects of simulated arch constriction on upper airway function during sleep.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize functional changes of the airway while wearing an appliance simulating severe arch constriction using level 3 polysomnography.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

For this pilot, single-blinded prospective randomized cross-over trial, 34 participants were recruited from the student/staff population of a dental school. Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOPBANG questionnaire, lateral cephalograms, and digital dental casts were gathered from all patients. Arch constriction was simulated by adding 5 mm thickness to lingual aspects of the dentition using vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs). Each participant completed three at-home sleep studies with a level 3 sleep monitor: the initial baseline test, and after random allocation of 6 days wearing either the control appliance (regular-VFR), or the simulated arch constriction (SAC) appliance, and following crossover of appliances. Oxygen Desaturation Indices (ODIs) and Respiratory Event Index (REI) were compared.

RESULTS

Use of the SAC appliance did not affect airway function: No significant difference (P > .05) was found in REI or ODI among the three groups. Five participants had REI values 5.0 or greater on at least one sleep study; however, this was unrelated to appliance use.

CONCLUSION

Simulated extreme dental arch constriction did not result in changes to REI. Constriction of the dental arches does not negatively affect airway function during sleep.