Temporary Oral Appliances-Article: The Role of Temporary Appliances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Article: The Role of Temporary Appliances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

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A temporary appliance is a prescribed oral appliance used for the short-term treatment of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before a properly fitted, custom-fabricated device is used. This article discusses the role of temporary appliances in OSA treatment and provides guidance to dentists for determining their appropriate use. The literature on temporary appliances is limited and conflicting, with some studies showing their efficacy and others showing increased adverse effects and lower compliance rates compared to custom-fabricated appliances. Temporary appliances are generally lower in cost and may be well accepted by patients in the short term. They can be considered for patients who need immediate dental work or to determine treatment feasibility. Dentists should consider factors such as stability, durability, adverse effects, cost, and patient preferences when deciding on temporary appliance use. Informed consent, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and oversight by a qualified dentist are important considerations. Temporary appliances have a shorter recommended lifespan and should not be used as long-term substitutes. Financial implications and the use of temporary appliances to predict treatment success should also be discussed with patients. The authors call for further research on the role of temporary appliances in dental sleep medicine. This article provides valuable information for dentists in making informed decisions about temporary appliance use in OSA treatment.

Keywords

temporary appliance

oral appliance

short-term treatment

snoring

obstructive sleep apnea

OSA

custom-fabricated device

efficacy

adverse effects

compliance rates