Results in the Treatment with Twin Block Polymeric Appliance of the Retrognathic Mandible in Sleep Apnea Patients

• DOI: 10.37358/mp.17.3.4873
• Publication Date: 2020-01-31T10:49:57Z
• Authors: Ovidiu Danut Radescu; Silviu Albu; Mihaela Baciut; Simion Bran; Andreea Codruta C...; Edwin Sever Bechir; Mariana Pacurar; Doina Adina Todea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is characterized by recurrent events of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. Functional orthopedics has been used for patients who have OSAS and craniofacial anomalies because they change the mandible posture forwards, improving the respiratory function. In present, much attention is accorded to the relationship between respiratory function and facial morphology. This study combines the cephalometric measurements and cardio-respiratory polygraphy, in order to analyze the effects of a modified functional Twin Block polymeric appliance on respiratory variables in OSAS patients. The chief complaints of the included in study patients was the crooked teeth and the teasing about their smile. Pretreatment facial photographs show labial position of anterior teeth, gummy smile, a large overjet, incompetent lips and retrognathic mandible. The patients underwent overnight cardio-respiratory polygraphic tests in the same Sleep Laboratory, before and after mandibular advancement device treatment. At the end of the orthopedic treatment phase, the beneficial result of this study was the mandible correction, the maxilla restrained, over jet decreased, improving the facial profile and reintegration of the patient in the school social environment. The education of the parents and of the small patients to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea and to apply the available effective treatments with a positive social impact on self-esteem and which recovers the facial aesthetics and functionality is a stringent necessity.