Abstract
Purpose
Oral appliances (OA) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea (OSAH), but there is limited evidence on their cost-effectiveness.
Materials and methods
A model was designed to simulate the costs and benefits of treatment of OSAH with OA or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) based on their effects on quality of life, motor vehicle crashes, and cardiovascular effects. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of costs per one quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained 5 years after treatment.
Results
Compared with no treatment, OA results in $268 higher costs and an incremental QALY of 0.0899 per patient (ICER=$2,984/QALY). Compared with OA, CPAP resulted in $1,917 more costs and 0.0696 additional QALYs (ICER=$27,540/QALY).
Oral appliances (OA) are now widely prescribed for the treatment of OSAH, either as primary therapy or as an alternative for those unwilling or unable to tolerate CPAP. Though the CPAP has been shown to be more effective than OA, there is increasing evidence that OA improves sleepiness, blood pressure and the indices of sleep disordered breathing. In addition, many patients who respond to both treatments often prefer the use of an OA over CPAP.
Dr. Stan Farrell, AZ TMJ, has extensive training in the treatment of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be a potentially life threatening condition and should be treated immediately. Dr. Farrell is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, making him one of the best qualified doctors at treating sleep apnea with an oral dental appliance. The effectiveness of OA’s greatly rely on the quality of fabrication, adjustments and the Physician’s knowledge and training. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are looking for an alternative to CPAP or have been told you may have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Stan Farrell at AZ TMJ, 480-945-3629. www.headpaininstitute.com
