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Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the vertical dimension changes, before and after treatment, in two groups of growing patients, one group treated with clear aligner therapy versus a group treated with Quad-helix and bite-block therapy. Methods: The studied sample was composed of n. 40 patients (20 females and 20 males with a mean age of 8.6 ± 1.8 years), enrolled from the Department of Orthodontics at Policlinico of Rome Tor Vergata. The original sample was randomly divided into two groups: Group IF (Invisalign First) and Group BB (Quad-helix and bite block). Pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1 after 12 months) lateral cephalograms were collected from all the selected patients. Nine cephalometric parameters, both angular and linear, were measured and recorded for each cephalogram. Results: No statistically significant changes were found between both the IF and BB groups at T0, while statistically significant changes were observed in both groups (BB and IF) between T0 and T1 (after 12 months of active therapy), p < 0.005. Conclusions: Both therapies were able to control the patient's vertical condition. To date, the use of conventional appliances seems to have slightly better efficacy in controlling the vertical dimension than aligner therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder which involves upper airway collapse during sleep. Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome is a sub-type of OSAS characterized by obstructive apneas mainly in the supine sleeping position. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are recommended as first-line therapy for mild to moderate OSA or as second-line treatment for severe OSA for patients who do not tolerate or respond to CPAP. A case report of severe positional OSAS (AHI/h 34.7) is presented. The clinical case was studied by CBCT head and neck scan and nocturnal polysomnography and treated with a mandibular advancement device, positional therapy, dietary adjustments and instructions for proper sleep hygiene. After the treatment the patient’s AHI decreased to 5.1 and his general health improved. The MAD appliance represents a valid therapeutic alternative in subjects with severe OSAS who do not tolerate CPAP. A combined approach to the pathology can improve the patient’s overall health and quality of life.