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Mandibular advancement prosthesis: first-line alternative to surgery in snoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

S. S. Minhas
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
S. N. Dutt
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
P. Deakin*
Affiliation:
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
A. L. Pahor
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK

Abstract

Mandibular advancement prosthesis (MAP) is infrequently used in the UK at present for snoring. First-line measures include dietary and weight modification for those that require it. Where such measures are unlikely to be useful or have already failed, surgery is sometimes utilized as a second-line treatment modality. We evaluate the use of MAP as an adjunct to first-line measures, with emphasis on efficacy, side-effects and patient compliance. Case notes of 30 snorers were reviewed and followed up with a questionnaire. Despite being useful in alleviating snoring, the prosthesis was poorly tolerated. Side-effects include increased salivation, temporomandibular joint pain, intra-oral and myofacial discomfort. Patients who persevered with the prosthesis found the early side-effects resolved after a few weeks and snoring reduced. MAP can be used in the initial management of snorers but patients need to be educated and encouraged, especially in the first few weeks.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001

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