Preliminary radiographic observations of the tongue-repositioning manoeuvre

The tongue-repositioning manoeuvre (TRM) is a method to place the tongue in direct contact with the hard palate. The TRM makes use of voluntary generation of negative interocclusal pressure controlled by an intra–extraoral pressure indicator device in combination with an oral shield. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the TRM influences vertical tongue position and/or tongue–velum contact. Ninety consecutive patients (75 males, aged 26–76 years, and 15 females, aged 36–70 years) who presented with snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) were examined at the University of Göttingen. Two cephalograms, with and without the TRM, were taken and traced. The data were analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Evaluation of the TRM demonstrated a significant increase (P < 0.01) of the mean tongue–velum contact from 6.3 to 24.5 mm and a significant decrease (P < 0.01) of the mean tongue–palate distance (12.3–3.1 mm) measured perpendicular to the nasal line. This was compatible with an intensification of posterior mouth closure and a contact position of the tongue with the palate.