Anterior palatal mouthguard margin location and its effect on shock-absorbing capability

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a mouthguard's (MGs) anterior palatal margin location on its shock absorbing capability. A simulation study was conducted on a maxillary phantom model with maxillary teeth, bone, and soft tissue. Miniature strain gauges were attached to the labial and palatal surfaces of the right central incisor as well as the bone surface on the palatal side. MGs were made with ethylene vinyl acetate sheets, with thickness of 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm, using a pressure-forming machine. The locations of the anterior palatal MG margins were set at 4.0, 2.0, and 0 mm from the cervical margin in three experimental configurations. The control situation was without a MG. A calibrated 7N of shock was applied to the middle portions of the labial and palatal surfaces of the central incisor. The amount of tooth deflection was evaluated. The results were analyzed with one-way anova accompanied by the Scheffe's test and multiple regression analysis (P<0.05), designating the strain as the dependent value. The results indicated that the thickness rather than the location of the anterior palatal margin of the MG has a significant influence on the reduction of tooth deflection against a horizontal blow.