Int J Sports Med 2001; 22(2): 149-153
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-11342
Orthopedics and Clinical Science

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Shock Absorption Capacities of Mouthguards in Different Types and Thicknesses

P. Bemelmanns,  P. Pfeiffer
  • Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Oral Medicine, University of Cologne, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

Preview

Although sports mouthguards provide protection against trauma, dentoalveolar injuries can still occur with the mouthguards in place. This study examined the effect of mouthguard protection in an in vitro model. A simulated maxilla, out of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) arch, containing replaceable resin teeth, was used to assess the performance of different mouthguard designs. “Boil and bite” and custom-fitted mouthguards (ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA]) laminated with hard (polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) or soft labial intermediate EVA layers were fabricated according to manufacturers' instructions. A steel ram was dropped onto the mouthguards at the maxillary incisor region. Changes in voltage, which were induced by a strain gauge at the back of the upper left incisor, were measured with an amplified voltmeter. Data were analysed by ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. “Boil and bite” and mouthguards layered with silicone or with small hard PVC inserts of 1.5 mm thickness demonstrated less absorption and differed significantly from the other mouthguard systems (p < 0.05). Bilaminated mouthguards with hard PVC inserts of 0.8 mm, 1.5 mm or 2 mm thickness showed no significant differences to those with 1.5 mm thick (EVA) inserts. The absorption rates amounted to 33 % compared with the unprotected tooth.

References

Prof. Dr. med. dent. P. Pfeiffer

Department of Prosthetic DentistrySchool of Oral MedicineUniversity of Cologne

Kerpener Straße 3250931 CologneGermany

Phone: Phone:+ 49 (221) 478 4717

Fax: Fax:+ 49 (221) 478 6722

Email: E-mail:peter.peiffer@uni-koeln.de