Citation

Mendes Tribst JP, de Oliveira Dal Piva AM, Bottino MA, Kleverlaan CJ, Koolstra JH. Dent. Traumatol. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/edt.12577

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is a lack of data regarding the temporomandibular joint's mechanical response during an impact to the orofacial region. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical effects of wearing a mouthguard (MG) on the impact response of the mandibular condyle and articular disc according to the type of occlusion. The hypothesis was that the MG would minimize the effect in those structures, regardless of the occlusion type.

METHODS: Using modeling software, a human skull with jaw, teeth and articular disc were created. The models were divided according to the occlusion type (Class I, II or III) and presence of mouthguard (with or without). The geometries were exported to analysis software and the materials were considered ideal. Fixation occurred at the base of the foramen magnum. The load (0-500 N, 1s) was applied to the upper central incisors with a steel ball. Maximum principal stress and Von-Mises results (MPa) were obtained in the mandibular condyle and articular disc. Minimum principal stress and Maximum Shear stresses were also recorded in the articular disc.

RESULTS: For both structures, the MG caused a decrease in stress concentration regardless of the occlusion and stress criteria. The condyle neck was the most tensile-stressed area while, for the articular disc, both the superior and inferior surfaces were the most stressed areas. The highest stress peaks in the disc were found for compression followed by tensile and then shear stress.

CONCLUSION: This biomechanical analysis of the effects of using a mouthguard exhibited considerably decreased stresses on the mandibular condyle and articular disc, regardless of the occlusion type.

Language: en

Keywords

Custom mouthguards; maxillofacial trauma; sports dentistry; TMJ