title: The effect of model inclination during fabrication on mouthguard calliper-measured and CT scan-assessed thickness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Excessive material thinning has been observed in the production of custom-made mouthguards in a number of studies, due to production anomalies that may lead to such thinning. This study investigated thinning material patterns of custom-made mouthguards when the anterior angulation of dental model was increased during the thermoforming process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 60 samples of mouthguard blanks were thermoformed on identical maxillary models under four anterior inclination conditions (n = 4 × 15): control 0, 15, 30 and 45°. Each mouthguard sample was measured, using an electronic calliper gauge at three anatomical points (anterior labial sulcus, posterior occlusion and posterior lingual). Mouthguards were then CT scanned to give a visual representation of the surface thickness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data showed a significant difference (P < 0.005) in the anterior mouthguard thickness between the four levels of anterior inclination, with the 45° inclination producing the thickest mouthguards, increasing the mean anterior thickness by 75% (2.8 mm, SD: 0.16) from the model on a flat plane (1.6 mm, SD: 0.34). Anterior model inclination of 30 and 45° inclinations increased consistencies between the thickest and thinnest mouthguards in the anterior region of these sample groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the importance of standardizing the thermoforming process, as this has a significant effect on the quality and material distribution of the resultant product. In particular, greater model inclination is advised as this optimizes the thickness of the anterior sulcus of the mouthguard which may be more prominently at risk from sport-related impact.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science/Health, Exercise, and Active Living (HEAL) Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, UK.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Farrington
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Facial Rehabilitation, Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Kings College London, UK.
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Coward
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science/Health, Exercise, and Active Living (HEAL) Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, UK.
authors.forename: Gladys
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Onambele-Pearson
authors.affiliation: School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Earl
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science/Health, Exercise, and Active Living (HEAL) Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, UK.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Winwood
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla; D003765:Models, Dental; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: angulation; mouthguards; thermoforming; thickness