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The European Journal of Orthodontics Advance Access originally published online on June 5, 2009
The European Journal of Orthodontics 2009 31(6):620-624; doi:10.1093/ejo/cjp040
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Comparative evaluation of the breaking strength of a simple mobile mandibular advancement splint

Naomi Tanoue*, Kiyoshi Nagano**, Souichi Yanamoto*** and Akio Mizuno***

* Department of Applied Prosthodontics
*** Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
** Department of Dental Laboratory Center, Nagasaki University Hospital of Dentistry, Japan

Address for correspondence Dr Naomi Tanoue, Department of Applied Prosthodontics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan, E-mail: t-naomi{at}nagasaki-u.ac.jp


  Abstract

Mandibular advancement splints (MASs) are used to advance the mandible forward in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The conventional rigid MAS restricts the movement of the mandible, and this immobility sometimes produces discomfort, including temporomandibular disorders. A simple method for fabricating a mobile MAS was devised, using a connector made from a polyethylene toothed belt, with the intention of making the MAS more comfortable.

The experimental connector is easily constructed, inexpensive, and small enough for use as an intraoral MAS. To evaluate durability, the axial and diagonal tensile breaking strengths of the MAS, using high- or low-density polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) lateral toothed belts, were compared with those of a conventional mobile MAS (Silensor). The values were compared by factorial analysis of variances and post hoc Scheffe's S multiple comparison intervals, with the value of statistical significance set at alpha = 0.05. In addition, the experimental LDPE connectors were clinically tested in 30 patients (23 males and 7 females aged 19–71 years) and evaluated.

Compared with the Silensor, the experimental MAS exhibited sufficient breaking strength, especially when a diagonal tensile load was applied to mimic mandibular lateral translation. When examining the clinical evaluation between 3 and 4 months after insertion, no damage or failure was observed.

The experimental connecting system may have clinical applications. To make the connector stronger for clinical use, HDPE should be used.


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