Aim: This was to investigate the effect of the use of an orthodontic appliance in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children using polysomnographic variables.
Methods: 10 boys and 10 girls with OSA aged between 4 to 8 years, referred from an otolaryngology clinic because of sleep apnoea, wore modified monobloc devices nightly for 6 months. Polysomnography was used for each patient for baseline diagnosis of OSA and also for post therapy assessment.
Results: The median obstructive apnoea- hypopnoea index decreased after 6 months of therapy with oral appliances. The mean (+/-SD) number of episodes of OSA was 7.88+/-1.81 before treatment and 3.66+/-6.80 after 6 months (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The modified monobloc appliance is suggested for use in children with OSA and may be an effective therapeutic alternative in children with mild to moderate OSA.