A comparison of different thicknesses of mouthguards according to the groove shape of sheets

Abstract

Background/aims: Previous studies have compared the thickness of the device with and without grooves. The result was a difference in thickness of the device along the groove. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in thickness of mouthguards that result from different groove shapes of ethylene vinyl acetate sheets used to make these appliances. Materials and Method: Mouthguards were made using a 3-dimensional printer, and produced by softening 4 mm transparent circular sheets. Four different shapes of sheets were evaluated: normal sheets, sheets with anterior V-shaped grooves, sheets with anterior A-shaped grooves, and sheets with posterior A-shaped grooves. The groove was 3 mm deep and 5 mm wide. The thickness of the appliance was assessed with respect to the anterior incisal edge, labial surface, palatal surface, posterior cusp, buccal surface, and palatal surface. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze differences in thickness among the different groove shapes. Results: No significant difference was detected between the thickness of mouthguards made using sheets with grooves and that of mouthguards made using sheets without grooves (P>.05). Conclusion: The presence of grooves on the sheets did not influence mouthguard thickness.