In Depth Look at the New Somnowell Device for Bruxism

The new Somnowell oral device for bruxism seems to overcome many of the shortfalls of the plastic devices currently in use today.

The fact that the Somnowell is made of cast chrome cobalt alloy means that it is a lot less bulky than plastic devices. Chrome cobalt alloy is very strong, more like gold than plastic. It therefore does not need to be bulky to have the required strength. This reduced bulk makes the device far more comfortable for patients to wear. The mouth is awfully sensitive and bulky plastic devices are frequently hard for patients to endure. Low compliance rates are the main issue with all plastic oral devices.

The cast chrome cobalt alloy is also extremely tough and does not suffer wear or tear in the mouth. Gold crowns and chrome cobalt dentures are known to last for 30 years or longer. All plastic devices on the other hand deform and degrade in the oral environment. Particularly so when under the nightly forces applied by the clenching and grinding of the bruxist.

Like gold the chrome cobalt alloy is resistant to colonisation by oral fungi and bacteria. It’s also really easy to clean and maintain. This is in contrast with plastic devices that quickly become colonised and are soon manky and smelly. Once a device has become unhygienic, or at least appears so, it is clear the user may be less likely to wear it.

The Somnowell generally uses a connecting piston rod on the right and left hand side which holds the lower jaw forward. This means the user cannot rhythmically clench and grind their teeth as they usually would while asleep. The surfaces of the teeth are protected by a layer of chrome cobalt. This also acts as a smooth surface for the jaws to grind against.

Bruxists can sometimes experience problems with receding gums and unwanted tooth movements when using plastic devices. The Somnowell doesn’t make contact with any of the outside gums. It also engages each tooth with a little clasps that makes sure there aren’t any undesired tooth movements.

Loran Simon is a director at Somnowell. The Somnowell is the first chrome cobalt oral device utilized in the professional management of tooth grinding and bruxism.