Citation

Gawlak D, Mierzwińska-Nastalska E, Mańka-Malara K, Kamiński T. Dent. Traumatol. 2013; 30(4): 306-311.

Affiliation

Department of Dental Prosthodontics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/edt.12085

PMID

24261712

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sports-related injuries, such as those typically incurred during bicycle racing, playing football [soccer], basketball, handball, hockey, and while skiing, represent a common problem in dental practice. The use of mouthguards helps prevent such injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical usability of custom mouthguards made of various polymers with the use of various techniques versus that of the 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards available on the market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five types of custom-made and three types of 'boil-and-bite' mouthguards, represented by 168 devices in total, were evaluated in terms of usability with the use of a questionnaire.

RESULTS: The usability of custom mouthguards, especially the ones molded from Corflex, was rated much higher than that of self-adapted mouthguards. Thus, it is the custom mouthguards that should be suggested to and fitted in patients prone to orofacial injuries.

Language: en