Review
PEDIATRIC OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
, P. Montagna1 , P. Faccioni1 , L. Belviglieri1 , J. Stevanin1 , B. Olivato1 , N. Tomizioli1 , L. Tarabini2 , G. Colapinto1 , B. Mattei3 1 Head and Neck Department, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
2 Private Practice in Carpi, Italy
3 Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
Correspondence to:
Head and Neck Department,
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology,
University of Verona,
Verona, Italy
European Journal of Musculoskeletal Diseases 2026 May-August 15(2): 120-125
https://doi.org/10.82093/ejmd/2026v15iss2_7
Received: 11 March 2026 Accepted: 13 April 2026
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Abstract
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently associated with craniofacial abnormalities, including mandibular retrusion. Mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs) have emerged as a non-surgical therapeutic option, although their clinical effectiveness remains debated. This review critically synthesizes and discusses current evidence on the effects of mandibular advancement appliances on respiratory outcomes, airway morphology, craniofacial changes, and clinical symptoms in children with obstructive sleep apnea.
Keywords: mandibular advancement, obstructive, orthodontic appliances, sleep apnea