Appropriate fabrication method for pressure-formed mouthguards using ethylene vinyl acetate sheets.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fabrication of mouthguards should be performed properly. However, the appropriate heating temperature for fabricating a pressure-formed mouthguard has not been determined. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the heating temperature on the fabrication of a pressure-formed mouthguard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouthguard sheets of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate were pressure-formed on a working model at three heating temperatures: 80, 100, and 120°C. The thickness of the mouthguard was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, and the buccal and occlusal surfaces of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was examined at the central incisor and first molar by measuring the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin of the working model. Differences in the thickness of the mouthguards according to the heating temperatures were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance, and differences in the fit were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS: Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < .01). The greatest thickness was found at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal surface of the first molar in mouthguards fabricated at the heating temperature of 120°C (P < .01). Mouthguard fit varied among the heating temperatures of the central incisors, and the greatest fit was obtained in mouthguards fabricated at the heating temperatures of 100 and 120°C (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS: Heating the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet until the temperature reached 120°C was the best fabrication method to maintain the pressure-formed mouthguard thickness with proper fit.