Summary: Slide2Sleep released a nylon version of its Slide oral appliance in June 2023, offering increased strength and a slimmer profile compared to the acrylic model. This new model, crafted from type 12 nylon and 3D printed using selective laser sintering technology, addresses issues with the durability of the acrylic version and has received positive feedback from patients for its comfort. Due to the success of the nylon Slide, the company is considering discontinuing the acrylic version.
Key Takeaways:
- Material Improvement: The nylon Slide oral appliance, introduced in June 2023, offers increased strength and a slimmer profile, making it more suitable for heavy bruxers and patients with smaller mouths compared to the acrylic model.
- Positive Patient Feedback: Patients have appreciated the comfort of the nylon device, which features no lateral components and is designed to be slim and comfortable for side sleepers.
- Potential Discontinuation of Acrylic Model: Due to the success and acceptance of the nylon Slide, Slide2Sleep is considering phasing out the acrylic version, highlighting the nylon model’s superior performance and patient satisfaction.
Slide2Sleep introduced a nylon version of its legacy acrylic Slide oral appliance in June 2023, offering a model with added strength and a slimmer profile, making it more suitable for heavy bruxers and patients with smaller mouths.
The decision to develop a nylon appliance arose from challenges with the rails on Slide2Sleep’s acrylic Slide oral appliance. Despite being made of “super strong” injection-molded polycarbonate that underwent US Food and Drug Administration testing for strength, a few rails eventually cracked under the dynamic stress of bruxing, says Kelly LeBlanc, DDS, DABDSM, DASBA, the Houston-based company’s founder and CEO.
Slide2Sleep began exploring alternative materials and released a nylon version of the Slide. The device is crafted from nylon polyamide 12—a material known for its mechanical durability—and 3D printed using selective laser sintering technology. Since its launch, no devices have been returned for repairs, according to LeBlanc.
The Slide places all adjustable components over the biting surfaces of the teeth, away from all oral tissue. It features no lateral components, screws, nuts, hooks, dorsal fins, elastics, or multiple splint combinations.
The comfort of the nylon device has been highly appreciated by patients, LeBlanc notes. “Comfort is the main thing. People don’t like as much bulk in their mouth, and it just feels more slimline and good for side sleepers,” he says. “They can sleep on their sides without worrying about the device poking their cheeks.”
While it provides an excellent alternative for heavy bruxers or patients with smaller mouths, LeBlanc says the device is suitable for the majority of patients. The acceptance of the nylon Slide has been so successful that the company is considering discontinuing the acrylic Slide.
The Slide is billable under the HCPCS code K1027 for oral device/appliance used to reduce upper airway collapsibility, without a fixed mechanical hinge, custom fabricated, and includes fitting and adjustment as maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Photo caption: The nylon Slide
Photo credit: Slide2Sleep
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