A Technique for Fabricating Modern Athletic Mouthguards

Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Lutheran Medical Center

Date: 11/13/2009

Article title: A Technique for Fabricating Modern Athletic Mouthguards

Author(s): Ray R Padilla, DDS

Journal: CDA Journal

Volume (number): Vol. 33, No 5

Month, Year: May 2005

Major topic: Mouthguard fabrication

Minor topics: Althletic Mouthguards

Type of Article: Technique article

Main Purpose: Instruct general dentists on the proper fabrication of a pressure laminated mouthguard

Overview of method of research: Review of literature included as preface to fabrication instructions.

Findings:

As more dental patients become active in athletic endeavors, oral-facial injuries are on the rise. Proper mouthguard use can significantly reduce injury and general dentists must be able to educate patients on the need for mouthgaurds as well as provide means to obtain such.

Key points/Summary :

There are 3 major types of mouthguards

Type I: store bought, one size fits all. Research does not support their use.

Type II: store bought boil-and-bite. May fit better than type I, but there is some “research” suggesting that they may be worthless.

Type II: professionally made, custom fitted. The holy grail of mouthguards. The standard are 3-4mm thick pressure laminates.

The literature only supports the professional recommendation of custom mouthguards.

A quality mouthguard should have 3mm labial thickness, 2mm palatal and 3mm occlusally.

The material of choice is ethylene vinyl acetate with shore hardness of 80.

As with any appliance, a great impression is imperative; the author recommends Accu-Dent multicolloid.

After pouring model, mark the highest level of the vestibule with a pencil and trim to that point.

Lube the model

Use 2 layers of 3mm ethylene vinyl acetate in two steps. One step will not allow for proper thickness in all areas needed.

Make sure that the lingual area is not bulky.

Trim areas of muscle attachment well and equilibrate occlusion by gently heating the mouthguard and having the patient bite together until all teeth are in contact.

Assessment of article: I with we had a pressure laminate system. I’ve made a few of these using our vacum system and if this author’s sources are right, they may have been as useful as not having a mouthguard at all. Still, this is a great service and can be a great practice builder. Good article for practical application.