Tehran: International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences International Journal of Scientific Research in Dental and Medical Sciences 2676-5497 7 4 2025 12 01 Factors Influencing Treatment Outcomes and Patient Adherence in Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cross-Sectional Study 140 148 240664 10.30485/ijsrdms.2026.566775.1692 EN Lazareth Liz Ortiz Santiago Department of Stomatology, University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba 0009-0003-9481-0556 Ivette Maria Santiago Lopez Department of Stomatology, Institute of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara, Santa Clara, Cuba 0009-0008-2449-155X Journal Article 2025 10 04 <strong>Background and aim: </strong>Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with substantial cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive complications. Although Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is considered the gold standard treatment, limited patient adherence has increased interest in Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as a more acceptable alternative. This study evaluated treatment outcomes and adherence to OAT and explored factors influencing therapeutic success. <strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among adult OSA patients treated with adjustable mandibular advancement devices. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical records, including demographic characteristics, diagnostic methods, appliance type, titration procedures, follow-up frequency, side effects, adherence patterns, and interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and sleep physicians. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. <strong>Results: </strong>Most participants were middle-aged men diagnosed using polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing. Higher adherence rates (6–7 nights per week) and better clinical outcomes were associated with regular clinician-guided titration, frequent follow-up visits, and effective collaboration between dentists and sleep physicians. These outcomes included reductions in daytime sleepiness, snoring, and the Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI). In contrast, unmanaged side effects and irregular follow-up were linked to lower adherence and reduced treatment effectiveness. In addition, administrative and insurance support facilitated timely initiation of therapy and improved long-term use. <strong><span lang="EN-GB">Conclusions: </span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">OAT is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSA. Standardized titration, objective adherence monitoring, regular follow-up, and multidisciplinary care are essential for optimizing treatment outcomes and sustaining long-term adherence.</span> http://www.ijsrdms.com/article_240664_95195b66a7c02ef59ba6e1d73d8474be.pdf