title: Appropriate fabrication method for vacuum-formed mouthguards.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to examine the influence of the heating temperature on the fabrication of vacuum-formed mouthguards.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mouthguard sheets of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate were vacuum-formed on working models 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. Differences in the thickness of the mouthguards were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance. The fit of the mouthguard was examined at the central incisor and the first molar by measuring the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin of the working model. Differences in the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin according to the heating temperatures were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < 0.01). The greatest thickness was found at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal surface of the first molar in mouthguards fabricated with heating temperature of 120°C (P < 0.05). The best fit was obtained in mouthguards fabricated with heating temperature of 120°C (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heating the mouthguard sheet until the temperature reached 120°C was the best fabrication method to maintain the thickness and to obtain proper fit. It is important to control the heating temperature when fabricating vacuum-formed mouthguards.
authors: Department of Removable Prosthodontics, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, Niigata, Japan.
authors: Fumi
authors: F
authors: Mizuhashi
authors: Department of Removable Prosthodontics, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, Niigata, Japan.
authors: Kaoru
authors: K
authors: Koide
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D019876:Sports Equipment; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D014618:Vacuum; D014753:Vinyl Compounds
chemical_list: D014753:Vinyl Compounds; C011566:vinyl acetate
keywords: fabrication; mouthguard; vacuum-forming