title: Characterization of mouth-formed mouthguards: thermal performance.
abstract: This study examined whether the thermo-modeling process suits the thermal properties of the material constituting mouth-formed mouthguards (MGs). Five mouth-formed MGs were compared: four commercially available MGs (SDI™, Gel Nano™, Opro Shield Gold™, and Kipsta R300™) and one prototype. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine melting (T(m)) and crystallization (T(c)) temperatures and specific fusion and crystallization enthalpies (∆H(f) and ∆H(c) (J/g)). MGs were modeled with recording of vestibular flange and occlusal cushion temperatures (Toccl). Tm ranged from 45.3°C to 53.0°C and Tc ranged from 40.9°C to 48.2°C. Specific heat of fusion ranged from 40.2 J/g to 62.0 J/g. Toccl was higher than Tm for all MGs except Kipsta R300™. Guidelines provided by manufacturers may not be adapted to thermal properties of the MG material. To ensure proper thermomodeling, heating and biting durations should be adjusted.
authors.affiliation: Arts et Métiers ParisTech.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerard
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Barou
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Petit
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Poisson
mesh_terms: D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D003460:Crystallization; D004867:Equipment Design; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D020959:Polyethylene; D011145:Polyvinyls; D044366:Transition Temperature
chemical_list: D011145:Polyvinyls; C013215:polyvinyl acetate; D020959:Polyethylene