Superimposition of Intra-oral Scans in MAD Therapy for OSA

Rationale: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) significantly reduces quality of life and increases the risk of severe health issue. While Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) are effective in managing OSA symptoms, they often introduce undesirable dental and skeletal changes, which can have a negative impact on patient satisfaction. Recognizing this issue, this study hypothesizes that using an innovative 3D superimposition technique to track these changes will allow to compare two different titration protocols more precisely and determine the optimal approach for various patient groups. By identifying the most effective titration protocol, the aim is to enhance treatment adherence and treatment success, addressing a critical gap in existing literature and significantly improving patient outcomes in OSA treatment.

Objective:

• Investigate dental and skeletal changes in OSA patients undergoing MAD treatment using an innovative 3D superimposition technique.
• Assess the impact of MAD treatment on quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function.

Study design: A prospective multicentre observational cohort study will be conducted, involving four screening points: at the study's onset and during the first, second, and third annual follow-up assessments. This investigation will involve two patient cohorts undergoing different titration approaches: orthodontic titration and another commonly used titration protocol.

Study population: The study will include adults with mild to moderate OSA who will undergo MAD treatment.

Intervention: Participants will be fitted with a MAD as part of their routine clinical care. The intervention involves the collection of baseline intra-oral scans (IOS), lateral cephalograms (LCR), orthopantomograms (OPT), and a collection of orthodontic parameters. These assessments will be repeated at each follow-up appointment.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

• Dental and skeletal changes tracked over time using intra-oral scans (IOS), lateral cephalograms (LCR), orthopantomograms (OPT), and complete orthodontic evaluations.
• Changes in quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function assessed through validated questionnaires.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Patients will experience the routine procedure of MAD fitting and imaging assessments. The study's positive outcomes encompass advancing the knowledge of the enduring impacts of MAD treatment on oral health. Participants will not incur any additional risks by engaging in this research, as it solely involves additional routine diagnostic procedures. The study is group-related, focusing on OSA patients undergoing MAD therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults ≥ 18 years of age
• Patients with a diagnosis of OSA
• Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 until 30 events per hour
• Patients initially treated with MAD

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under 18 years of age
• Patients without a diagnosis of mild to moderate OSA
• Patients undergoing other treatments for OSA
• Patients previously undergone MAD treatment (this also includes over the counter boil and bite MADs)
• Patients diagnosed with central sleep apnea
• Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces)
• Pregnant patients
• Patients with craniofacial anomalies or syndromes (e.g., Treacher-Collins, Down, Pierre-Robin, Marfan),
• Patients undergoing cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation
• Patients with a history of maxillofacial surgery
• Patients with select dental conditions like severe periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disease, insufficient dentition to support appliance retention in the mouth
• Patients who use bone resorption inhibitors (such as bisphosphonates, calcitonin, SERMs) or the prolonged use, ≥ 6 months of corticosteroids