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Comparing comfort and wearability: custom-made vs. self-adapted mouthguards
A K DeYoung1, E Robinson, W C Godwin
1Graduate program for pediatric dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor 48109.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Custom-made mouthguards are preferred by athletes over self-adapted ones. Both types offer adequate protection against orofacial injuries, but comfort makes custom mouthguards the better choice for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Dental Traumatology
- Protective Equipment Research
Background:
- Orofacial injuries are common in sports.
- Mouthguards are proven to reduce these injuries.
- Athlete comfort and wearability are key to consistent mouthguard use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare comfort and wearability between custom-made and self-adapted mouthguards.
- To assess athlete preference for different mouthguard types.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of both mouthguard types.
Main Methods:
- 40 high-school athletes participated in the study.
- Comparison of custom-made versus self-adapted mouthguards.
- Data collected on comfort, wearability, and protection.
Main Results:
- Both custom-made and self-adapted mouthguards provided adequate orofacial injury protection.
- Athletes reported higher comfort and wearability with custom-made mouthguards.
- A significant preference for custom-made mouthguards was observed among participants.
Conclusions:
- Custom-made mouthguards offer superior comfort and wearability compared to self-adapted options.
- While both types protect athletes, custom-made mouthguards may improve compliance due to better fit and feel.
- Further research could explore long-term adherence and injury prevention rates based on mouthguard type.