Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2025 Mar 7:S0889-5406(25)00019-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2025.01.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adherence of different mandibular advancement devices (MADs) designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea, focusing on titratable vs nontitratable and custom-made vs ready-made devices.
METHODS: Registered with the International Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO CRD42024557402), a comprehensive literature search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science up to June 2024. Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies comparing MAD designs were included. The primary outcome was apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction. Secondary outcomes included improvements in Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, adherence rates, and patient preference. The risk of bias was assessed using the risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, and the Risk-Of-Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Intervention tools. Meta-analyses were performed with weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS: A total of 22 studies were included, comprising 15 randomized controlled trials and 7 nonrandomized studies. Meta-analysis showed significant AHI reduction with both titratable and nontitratable MADs, with no significant difference between groups (WMD: 1.16; 95% CI, -1.29 to 3.61; P = 0.35). Custom-made MADs demonstrated a marginally significantly greater reduction in AHI compared with ready-made MADs (WMD: 1.51; 95% CI, -0.08 to 3.11; P = 0.06). Custom-made MADs also showed higher adherence rates and longer wearing times (WMD: 1.19; 95% CI, 0.65-1.73; P <0.0001) and higher adherence rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Both titratable and nontitratable MADs, as well as custom-made and ready-made MADs, effectively treated obstructive sleep apnea, with no clear preference for one design over another. Custom-made MADs, however, generally had fewer side effects and offered potential adherence advantages. Further high-quality studies with longer follow-ups are recommended.
PMID:40057893 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2025.01.006
