What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypopnea Syndrome?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by time intervals with respiratory stops that are frequently accompanied by snoring.

Diagnosis and treatment.

The diagnosis is made through a sleep study consisting of using a device that is applied to the patient overnight to detect obstructive apneas or hypopneas. Replacement appliances (MAD) are an effective treatment for snoring patients and patients with OSAHS. The use of intraoral devices is a simple, non-invasive and fully reversible treatment option, which gives it an ease and therapeutic immediacy that makes it superior to other treatment solutions.

Our experience

In 2004, jointly, the ENT doctors from the Clarós Clinic and the dentists from the Clarós Dental Clinic, we began treatment in patients with OSAHS using this non-invasive system of MAD intraoral appliances.

Our experience since then is very good with this non-invasive system.

What are MAD splints?

They are MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device) intraoral prostheses that advance the jaw in an adjustable manner. In this way, the orofacial space is expanded, which prevents snoring and sleep apnea. This method is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

How do MAD splints work?

The objective of MAD plates is based on solving the problems caused by snoring and apneas/hypopneas due to poor air passage through the pharynx. By causing the mandibular advancement in a regulated manner that forces the jaw to progressively move forward, it is possible to reposition the tongue and the tissues that block the pharynx. This device is made up of two splints joined together by a system of connecting rods or screws that allow controlled and adjustable advancement of the lower jaw and focuses on correcting apnea and snoring thanks to the physical unobstruction of the passage of air through the jaw. atrophied or altered pharynx, which causes first snoring, then mild apneas, until reaching obstruction and sudden death in the worst case. The use of the prosthesis significantly reduces snoring and apneas. This allows patients to recover a normal sleep pattern, which normalizes hypertension and eliminates the excessive daytime sleepiness present in the daily lives of many patients.

How effective is a MAD dental appliance?

Currently there are studies that show that the effectiveness of MAD intraoral appliances exceeds 95% in the treatment of snoring. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends this oral appliance therapy as an effective treatment for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apneas. Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have potential side effects or discomfort; Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices cannot be tolerated by 25% of patients.