Laboratory evaluation of mouthguard material.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Sports Dentistry

Background:

• Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer is widely used in fabricating custom mouthguards.
• Understanding EVA material properties is crucial for optimizing mouthguard design and performance.
• Existing research may not fully elucidate the impact of EVA thickness on its mechanical and physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an in vitro evaluation of EVA material properties relevant to mouthguard applications.
• To investigate the influence of varying EVA sheet thicknesses on key performance characteristics.
• To provide data-driven recommendations for improving mouthguard design based on material science.

Main Methods:

• Mechanical and physical properties of EVA sheets (1, 2, 3, and 5 mm thickness) were assessed.
• Tensile strength and elongation tests were performed according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
• Hardness and water absorption tests were conducted to evaluate material behavior.

Main Results:

• Increased EVA material thickness led to a decrease in ultimate tensile strength.
• Higher thicknesses also resulted in reduced elongation at break.
• Hardness and water absorption remained unaffected by variations in EVA thickness.

Conclusions:

• The 5 mm EVA material demonstrated superior performance with the least deformation under load.
• EVA thickness significantly impacts tensile strength and elongation but not hardness or water absorption.
• Thicker EVA (5 mm) is recommended for mouthguard fabrication due to its optimal balance of properties and performance.