- Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI):
- 0-4 Normal
- 5-14 Mild Apnea
- 15-29 Moderate Apnea
- >30 Severe Apnea
Adult
- CPAP
- Pro: very effective; "gold standard"
- Con: low compliance, difficult to travel with, can cause tooth movement or orthognathic changes
- Surgery - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, etc.
- Pro: best for snoring and/or mild cases; once completed, no compliance issues
- Con: about 40% success rate, pain, possible complications, may need re-treatment
- Maxillomandibular Advancement
- Pro: very effective; once completed, no compliance issues
- Con: very invasive, difficult patient acceptance
- Oral Appliance
- Pro: effective for most mild, moderate, and CPAP intolerant apneas, high compliance
- Con: must have healthy mandibular teeth, minor jaw soreness and tooth movement possible
- Co-therapy - Use of CPAP and Oral appliance therapy simultaneously
- Pro: very effective
- Con: not acceptable for many patients
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common and typically increases with age. However, children are not immune. They too can suffer from sleep apnea.
Children
- CPAP
- Pro: effective if tolerated
- Con: not often tolerated
- Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy
- Pro: often very effective
- Con: pain; not 100% effective
- Orthodontics
- Pro: can be effective in selected cases
- Con: none, when used when indicated
