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Periodontal effects of two Somnodent oral devices for the treatment of OSA: A finite element study
Francesca Zalunardo1, Giovanni Bruno2, Manila Caragiuli2
1Department of Neuroscience, Section of Dentistry, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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 FlexTM and Somnodent AvantTM) 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 FlexTM generates a peak of 3.27 kPa on periodontal ligaments and 287 kPa on teeth. For Somnodent AvantTM 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.
