Development of Novel Mandibular Advancement Device for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Analysing Force Distribution and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Sleep Medicine
• Materials Science

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
• Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are effective treatments for mild to moderate OSA.
• Current MADs can be unaffordable for many patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey clinician and patient preferences for MAD characteristics.
• To design a novel, affordable MAD (KKU-MAD) based on these preferences.
• To analyze the biomechanical performance of the KKU-MAD using finite element analysis (FEA).

Main Methods:

• Surveys collected preferences from dental sleep clinicians and OSA patients.
• A 3D skull model was created from CBCT data.
• FEA simulated KKU-MAD performance under various mandibular movements and muscle contractions.

Main Results:

• Clinicians favored custom, duobloc, titratable MADs; patients prioritized comfort and affordability.
• FEA showed stress concentrated on lateral fins and protrusive buttons, peaking during lateral grinding.
• All simulated stress and deformation values remained below the material's (PMMA) tensile strength.

Conclusions:

• The KKU-MAD demonstrates favorable biomechanical resilience to simulated clenching and grinding.
• Further research is needed on its effects on teeth, bone, and the temporomandibular joint before clinical application.
• The KKU-MAD shows promise as a more accessible treatment option for OSA.