Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking!

In the 1950’s Timex became known as the watch that “Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”. Celebrities such as Mickey Mantle and Rocky Marciano subjected these watches to various kinds of “torture tests” to demonstrate their durability and shock resistance. After hitting 50 scorching drives to various corners of the ballpark with a Timex watch strapped to the back of his bat, Mickey Mantle examined the watch and found it was “still running — and still on time!”  This was presented as dramatic proof of the amazing sturdiness, accuracy and dependability, which made Timex the watch of choice for millions! This advertising theme continued through to about 2003 and remains one of the all time top rated add campaigns.

This past week a patient presented in my office with his two appliances. A SomnodentTM appliance made by another dentist in January 2014, and a RESMED NarvalTM appliance, that I had made for him in June of 2014. This 62-year-old high-level executive was first diagnosed with OSA 12 years ago and was finally directed towards an Oral Appliance after years of CPAP difficulties and non-compliance. The reason he had two appliances is that he originally presented in June with a small fracture in his 6 month old SomnodentTM and was interested in an alternative that may be more durable. After showing him the RESMED NarvalTM appliance he decided to proceed with it and have his SomnodentTM repaired to use as a back up appliance.

This is where it gets interesting. The patient took both his appliances out of their case and explained that they had been chewed by his Afghan Wolfhound named Luke. Now, I’m sure Luke had no idea that he was about to become a celebrity dog. However, much like Mickey Mantle and Rocky Marciano did with the Timex watches, Luke put these two appliances to a “torture test” demonstrating their durability, resiliency and shock resistance.

Luke 

The SomnodentTM was damaged beyond reasonable repair and ended up in the trash. However, the RESMED NarvalTM, regardless of the chew marks that were clearly evident, simply required some minor cleaning away of undermined nylon with an acrylic bur, some disinfection and then went back in the mouth. The patient was comfortable and claimed he did not notice any changes as to fit or feel with the appliance as compared to prior to the incident.

Fractured Somnodent

Somnodent Fails the Licking Test

Fractured Narval

Narval Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking!

The next day I called the patient to ask how things went. He said, “my wife is happy, no snoring and I had a restful nights sleep. The appliance was as comfortable as before.”

Luke has helped to demonstrate that the RESMED NarvalTM appliance literally “Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking!”  These new age 3-D printed appliances really are remarkably durable and resilient. I welcome you to share your “Keeps on Ticking” stories.

John Viviano DDS D ABDSM