Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea before and after oral appliance therapy.

Abstract

The oral appliance works by enlarging the upper airway morphology and keeping the airway open, mainly at the back of soft palate. The effect of the oral appliance is associated with the degree of enlargement of the high oropharynx. Those who have a small tongue and a large pharynx may expect to have good results with the use of the oral appliance.