Background
obesity, xerostomia, morning headache, choking, temporomandibular, OSA, apnea, daytime sleepiness, cognitive problems, Apnea/Hypopnea, arousals, pain, weight loss, road traffic accidents
OBESITY, XEROSTOMIA, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CHOKING, ISCHEMIC STROKE, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE, OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA, EVENTS, HYPERTENSION, TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS, COMPLICATIONS, SALIVATION
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep, resulting in arterial oxygen desaturation and arousals. Excessive daytime sleepiness, cognitive problems, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, apnea, nocturnal awakening, episodes of choking during sleep, morning headache, and other manifestations and co-morbidities are all linked to OSA [OSA has also been found to be a self-sustaining possibility in developing cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke, and general mortality. The patients suffering from OSA have reported poor quality of life and also have found notable increased events of road traffic accidents [Polysomnography is used to diagnose OSA (PSG). PSG uses the “Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)” to assess the severity of OSA. Based on the AHI score, OSA is characterized as mild (AHI 5–15), moderate (AHI 15–30), or severe (AHI >30) [Several methods for treating OSA have been well-documented in the literature. The most common among them are behavioral and surgical weight loss therapies, positional therapy, pharmacological therapy, surgical therapies (pharyngeal and maxillomandibular surgeries), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and oral appliances (OA) such as the mandibular advancement device (MAD) [MAD has emerged as a feasible, plausible replacement, and the most accepted and chosen therapy for mild to moderate OSA patients. Many authors have confirmed the role of MAD in lowering the AHI episodes and enhancing the quality of life among the individuals suffering from it, in comparison to CPAP in their study publications [However, various side effects of MAD have been observed in several long-term model analysis studies, including dental pain, temporomandibular joint issues, xerostomia or excess salivation, and gum irritation [Current analysis has suggested that 936 million individuals globally are suffering from OSA. Considering the numerical values given by the World Health Organization indicating the elevated occurrence of OSA in the general public and the complexities and complications of the existing devices used in managing OSA has resulted in a need of introducing a new effective treatment modality in this field. The customized maxillary oral appliance (CMOA) is an oral appliance designed to be anchored on the maxillary arch at an increased vertical dimension of 2mm that facilitates the advanced and descending position of the lower jaw which results in an enlarged upper airway. To treat OSA, it employs the principles of mandibular advancement splint and tongue holding appliance. CMOA increases the vertical within the limits at present occlusion and hence the chances of changes in the dentition are eliminated as seen in MAD [By comparing its efficacy to MAD, the current study intends to introduce this new oral appliance, CMOA, in controlling OSA as a unique remedial choice for individuals suffering from mild OSA.