Appropriate fabrication method for pressure-formed mouthguards using ethylene vinyl acetate sheets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Proper fabrication of mouthguards is essential for their effectiveness.
• The optimal heating temperature for pressure-formed mouthguards using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) has not been established.
• This study investigates the impact of heating temperature on EVA mouthguard fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the influence of different heating temperatures on the fabrication of pressure-formed mouthguards.
• To evaluate how heating temperature affects mouthguard thickness and fit.
• To identify the optimal heating temperature for fabricating high-quality pressure-formed mouthguards.

Main Methods:

• Pressure-forming of 3.8 mm EVA sheets on a working model at 80°C, 100°C, and 120°C.
• Measurement of mouthguard thickness at specific locations (central incisor, first molar).
• Assessment of mouthguard fit by measuring the distance to the working model's cervical margin.

Main Results:

• Mouthguard thickness significantly varied across measured regions and heating temperatures (P < .01).
• The highest thickness was observed at 120°C on the labial surface of the central incisor and buccal surface of the first molar (P < .01).
• Optimal mouthguard fit was achieved at 100°C and 120°C for the central incisors (P < .01).

Conclusions:

• Heating EVA sheets to 120°C is the most effective method for fabricating pressure-formed mouthguards.
• This temperature ensures both adequate mouthguard thickness and a proper fit.
• Optimal fabrication temperature is critical for producing functional and well-fitting mouthguards.