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Longitudinal changes in mouthguard fit: Reliability of an evaluation method
Manami Abe1, Arisa Sugimoto1, Hitomi Togawa1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan.
Summary
This study developed a reliable method to measure mouthguard fit, helping determine when to replace athletic mouthguards for optimal performance and protection.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Sports dentistry
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Mouthguards require replacement due to material degradation and deformation.
- Determining the optimal replacement time for mouthguards is crucial.
- Existing methods for assessing mouthguard fit may lack precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved, reliable method for measuring mouthguard fit.
- To evaluate the longitudinal assessment of mouthguard fit.
- To establish criteria for determining optimal mouthguard replacement intervals.
Main Methods:
- A silicone fit-testing material was applied to the inner surface of 12 participants' mouthguards.
- Mouthguards were inserted, and the material was allowed to set before weighing.
- Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- High intra-rater reliability (0.813, P < .001) was observed.
- High inter-rater reliability (0.817, P < .001) was achieved.
- Both reliability values exceeded the threshold of 0.7, indicating sufficient reliability.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a reliable means to evaluate mouthguard fit.
- Longitudinal evaluation of mouthguard fit can determine optimal replacement timing.
- This approach supports evidence-based recommendations for mouthguard maintenance.
