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[Effect of impact direction on the cushion property of mouthguards: a finite element analysis]
Yuan-Bing Zhu1, Guang-Yun Lai, Jun Wang
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology. Shanghai 200011, China.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the cushion property of mouthguards when the impact object came from different directions.
Methods:
A 3D finite element model of upper central incisor, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone was developed based on cone-beam CT (CBCT) images of a plastic teeth model. The mouthguards were modeled in 5 different thickness (T: 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mm) and a nonlinear dynamic impact analysis, in which the finite element models were collided by a steel ball from different directions (D: angles between the impact direction and the long axis of tooth were 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, respectively), was performed. The stress cushion efficiency was calculated.
Results:
The stress cushion efficiency of the mouthguards varied with different thicknesses and impact directions. When T=1.5 mm and 3 mm, the stress cushion efficiency was minimal as D=60° and maximal as D=120°. However, when T=4.5 mm and 6 mm, the stress cushion efficiency was minimal as D=90° and maximal as D=30°. Moreover, the stress cushion efficiency of mouthguards improved with the increasing thickness in each impact direction.
Conclusions:
The impact direction affects the stress cushion efficiency of mouthguards, which however is influenced by the thickness of mouthguards.
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