Comparative evaluation of shock absorption ability of custom-fit mouthguards with new-generation polyolefin self-adapting mouthguards in three different maxillary anterior teeth alignments using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors.

PURPOSE: Prevention of orofacial injuries is one of the biggest pre-occupations in sports dentistry. The custom-fitted mouthguard is considered the best choice for fit and protection when compared to over-the-counter commercial mouthguards. However, cost and time prohibit their mass production. It is therefore imperative to have an over-the-counter true mouth-formed mouthguard with comparable properties. The present in vitro experimental study was carried out to compare the shock absorption ability of EVA laminate mouthguards with self-adapting polyolefin material mouthguards in three different anterior teeth alignments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to simulate the stress distribution due to impact on the respective mouthguards. Customized pendulum device with three interchangeable standard size impact objects was used. Response of grating was monitored using a FBG interrogation system. Shift in wavelength for each impact was measured. Three standardized jaw models were subjected to a total of 72 impact strikes with three different balls on two specified sites by releasing the objects from two different heights H1 24 cm and H2 48 cm. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Two-way ANOVA was applied and comparative values computed. It was found that the percentage shock absorption ability of self-adapted polyolefin mouthguard was highly significant at <0.001 level in both regions. The influence of height on the shock absorption ability of both mouthguards was highly significant at P < 0.001. It was concluded that self-adapting polyolefin mouthguards fulfill similar protection requirement as custom-fit mouthguards and can be used for millions of athletes if properly fitted chairside by a dentist without requiring laboratory fabrication.