Periodontal effects of two Somnodent oral devices for the treatment of OSA: A finite element study

ABSTRACT

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the stresses and the deformations generated at the periodontal level by two mandibular advancement devices (MADs) using finite element analysis.

Methods

A three-dimensional digital model of the skull of a 29-year-old patient was created using a CBCT. The 3D models of two MADs (Somnodent Flex^TM and Somnodent Avant^TM) were reconstructed from scanning prototypes based on the patient’s anatomy. The overall geometry was imported into software for the finite element study. A force of 11.18 N representing an advancement of 9.5 mm was applied to the devices. A finite element analysis wfas subsequently performed.

Results

Somnodent Flex^TM generates a peak of 3.27 kPa on periodontal ligaments and 287 kPa on teeth. For Somnodent Avant^TM the maximum stress is 4.53 kPa on periodontal ligaments and 467 kPa on teeth.

Conclusion

Different activation mechanisms of the devices generate stresses of different entities.

KEYWORDS:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• mandibular advancement device
• periodontal ligaments
• finite element analysis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no external funding.