The Vancouver Sleep and Breathing Centre

 

MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT

 

Mandibular Advancement with a Dental Appliance and the Upper Airway

 

MRI Image

Patient not wearing a dental appliance

Same patient wearing a dental appliance

These two MRI pictures were obtained from the same patient and at approximately the same level. They demonstrate that substantial improvement in the airway can be achieved by mandibular advancement with a dental appliance in properly selected patients.

However, it would be prohibitively expensive to use MRI or CT to make this determination in every patient who wishes to have treatment of their snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The simplest method of accomplishing this is by taking a look at the patient's airway with a flexible fiberoptic scope as they slide their jaw forwards.

Here are some examples:

 

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

 

 

 

At Rest

Image of Example 1 at Rest

Image of Example 2 at Rest

Image of Example 3 at Rest

 

 

With

Mandible Advanced

Image of Example 1 with Mandible Advanced

Image of Example 2 with Mandible Advanced

Image of Example 3 with Mandible Advanced

 

 

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