Citation

Kloeg EF, Collys K. Rev. Belge Med. Dent. (1984) 2003; 58(1): 21-33.

Vernacular Title

Materiaux pour protections dento-maxillaires intra-orales.

Affiliation

Département de Prothèse amovible, Unité COPR, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Faculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie Eenheid COPR (Uitneembare Prothetiek) Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Société de Médecine Dentaire)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12894661

Abstract

Taking into account the number of teeth which are yearly irreversible traumatised during sport activities, the general use of mouthguards would contribute positively to the prevention of dental injuries. Custom-made mouthguards are more comfortable to wear and offer better retention and protection than stock and mouth-formed mouthguards. Different kinds of materials are available on the market for the construction of mouthguards. A polyethylene-polyvinylacetate copolymer (EVA) is the most suitable material. EVA allows the inclusion of hard or soft layers within the mouthguard. The thickness of a mouthguard is important for the reduction of applied forces to teeth: energy absorption capacity increases with material thickness. Increased thickness however, is associated with a reduction of comfort. Therefore, it is important that dentists take the patients' wishes and demands on both comfort and protection into consideration. A description of the clinical and technical method for the construction of a custom made mouthguard is given.

Language: fr