Comparing two techniques for positioning the jaw in dental sleep appliances

Two Cohort Prospective Single Blinded Patient Crossover Trial Comparing Anterior Protrusive and Sibilant Phoneme Mandibular Positioning Techniques for Dental Sleep Appliances

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05553860

This study tests two ways to position the jaw for dental appliances in people with obstructive sleep apnea to see which method works better and is more comfortable.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05553860 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study aims to compare two mandibular positioning techniques for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a traditional anterior protrusive technique and a novel speech-based technique. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these methods in determining the optimal jaw position for custom-made dental appliances, which help keep the airway open during sleep. By assessing the potential benefits of using speech for positioning, the research seeks to minimize discomfort and side effects associated with current methods. This is the first prospective study of its kind, addressing a gap in existing literature.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and have a prescription for a dental sleep appliance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have obstructive sleep apnea or those who do not require a dental sleep appliance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and comfortable treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While minimal research has been conducted in this area, this study represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in a prospective manner.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and

* Prescription/order for a dental sleep appliance
* 18 years or older
* Treatment planned in accordance with AADSM treatment guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* There are no separate exclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep Apnea, ObstructiveOcclusal Splints
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.