Difference in laminated mouthguard thickness according to the laminate order

Area of Science:

• Sports Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Mouthguards are crucial for preventing oral trauma, protecting teeth and soft tissues.
• Laminated mouthguards offer enhanced protection but their thickness can vary.
• Optimizing mouthguard thickness is essential for effective injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how the order of layering different thickness ethylene-vinyl acetate sheets affects the final laminated mouthguard thickness.
• To determine if specific laminate orders yield superior mouthguard thickness for protection.

Main Methods:

• Two thicknesses of ethylene-vinyl acetate sheets (2.0 mm and 3.0 mm) were used.
• Laminated mouthguards were fabricated in two conditions: 2.0 mm first (2F3S) and 3.0 mm first (3F2S).
• Mouthguard thickness was measured at the central incisor and first molar regions.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mouthguard thickness were observed between measurement regions (p < .01).
• The 3F2S condition (3.0 mm first layer) resulted in statistically significantly greater thickness compared to the 2F3S condition (p < .05 or p < .01).
• Thickness increased at the labial surface of the central incisor and buccal/occlusal surfaces of the first molar with a thicker initial layer.

Conclusions:

• The thickness of a laminated mouthguard is directly influenced by the thickness of the initial layer.
• It is recommended to utilize the thicker mouthguard sheet as the first layer during fabrication.
• This approach can optimize mouthguard thickness for improved oral trauma prevention.